Even as the buzz picks up at training camp with the quarterbacks, plenty of Chicago Bears fans are getting nervous. Why? The rapidly deteriorating state of the offensive line. This unit was a constant issue last season. That is why GM Ryan Pace and the front office worked hard to bring in some help this offseason. Unfortunately, there was no accounting for the injury bug which has already knocked out three projected starters in Germain Ifedi, James Daniels, and Teven Jenkins.

The latter is what has fans nervous the most. Jenkins is supposed to be the left tackle this year. Maybe second on the entire offense in terms of importance. Yet he remains out with back tightness. Considering the horrible luck this organization has had with highly drafted tackles in the past? This isn’t ideal. Marc Columbo, Chris Williams, and Gabe Carimi. All came in with tons of talent and just never managed to stay on the field.

Did the Bears do it again?

It is too early to say for sure, but it’s hard not to feel that way. Supposedly Jenkins arrived with a clean injury history from Oklahoma State. However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune revealed this isn’t entirely true. In fact, the source of the rookie’s back issue may actually have originated from his final month in college. Something that never made it to light until now.

“I don’t believe back issues were a concern for the Bears or other teams regarding Jenkins in the pre-draft process. He missed the final three games last season at Oklahoma State with a lumbar strain, according to an NFL source who looked at his combine medical report. The source said the report noted that Jenkins had two concussions in college, but he stressed that nothing stood out as “uncommon” or concerning.”

While a “strain” is far better than a fracture, it should still be pointed out that what Jenkins suffered was significant enough to make him miss three games. Now he’s suffered back tightness that has made him miss the first week of training camp. It is difficult not to feel like there is an obvious connection between the two and perhaps something more serious is going on than anybody wants to admit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1EKRqVhMpA&t=2s&ab_channel=ChicagoBears

Teven Jenkins still has time to get himself ready

The good news is this issue surfaced right now rather than a few weeks down the line. He has enough cushion left in camp to prepare for opening night in Los Angeles. Head coach Matt Nagy has stressed the team isn’t concerned and that he is trending in the right direction. Then again it’s hard to take the Bears at their word in situations like this. They’ve been known to mislead plenty of times in the past.

Teven Jenkins wants to play. Nagy did stress that. The rookie is frothing at the mouth to do so. This isn’t a matter of him sitting out himself. It is the team being cautious. That is probably a wise decision. Back injuries can be dangerous for offensive linemen if not handled properly. The last thing the Bears want is to rush his return and then have him suffered a more serious setback.

Better to wait it out.

Once they’re sure he’s 100% and feeling good, Jenkins will be out there. All anybody can do is hope it happens soon. The Bears have an off day on Wednesday, August 4th, and will resume with four straight practices after that. It will be interesting if the rookie is still out by the end of that stretch. If so, one can safely assume the team will be seeking possible alternatives at left tackle.