When Teven Jenkins shifted from right tackle to right guard, several people felt it was a last-ditch attempt by the coaching staff to see if they could salvage the former 2nd round pick. Head coach Matt Eberflus and others insisted that wasn’t the case. They’ve stated from the beginning that their goal is to get the five best offensive linemen on the field. If that meant moving guys around, then so be it. With Riley Reiff and Larry Borom locked in battle at right tackle, it made no sense to let a talent line Jenkins twist in the wind.
So they did what many draft experts felt would eventually happen. They moved him to guard. He rolled with the second-team offense during his first practice on Monday. Then in a surprise twist, he was quickly promoted to the first team on Tuesday. It would be easy to shrug that off as them shaking things up, but don’t forget this coaching staff promotes and demotes guys for a reason. Ask Braxton Jones. People didn’t think his promotion to left tackle was noteworthy in the spring.
So much for that. According to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago, it sounds like Jenkins is performing well in his new role.
“Jenkins acquitted himself well in his first real reps at right guard. He held up in pass protection and had a big block to spring fullback Khari Blasingame for a touchdown in one of the later team periods.
Transitioning inside can be a process. However, the Bears believe Jenkins has the football IQ to absorb the information quickly and perhaps become their long-term answer at right guard.”
Teven Jenkins picking up a stunt. I was watching him pretty exclusively when the 2nd team O was on the field and I don’t think he lost a rep pic.twitter.com/GFDoNBOxDu
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) August 15, 2022
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Another Teven Jenkins rep at RG. Wins easily. The rest of the OL… yikes pic.twitter.com/JHyZt6P8jU
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) August 15, 2022
Bears have left the window open for Teven Jenkins.
Under normal circumstances, it would feel too little, too late for him. Players who shift positions mere weeks before the regular season begins seldom claim the starting job. The Bears are not in normal circumstances. Michael Schofield was the favorite to start at right guard since training camp began. Keep in mind it wasn’t because he was playing great. It was more because there were no better options. Schofield is experienced and durable. As a blocker? He’s average.
He reminded people of that in the preseason opener when he gave up a sack on Justin Fields while failing to generate any movement in the ground game. That is where Teven Jenkins comes in. Not only is he a better athlete than Schofield, but he’s also more powerful. Run blocking is his calling card. Considering how central running the football is to the Luke Getsy offense, it would make sense the Bears want to give him a real chance to beat Schofield for the job.
The upcoming preseason game in Seattle is his moment. If he can put together a standout performance, that might be the push he needs to lock the job down. It would be an amazing turn of events after what happened the previous month.
