Bears Reportedly Altering Their Plans For Teven Jenkins

Teven Jenkins, the Bears' prominent 2nd round pick from Oklahoma State, is returning to practice. It will mark the first time he's been in pads this year. He never really got the chance back in the summer due to the back issue that eventually forced him to have surgery. After a long and grueling rehab process, it seems he is close to a return. There is one problem facing the team. Where exactly do they slot him in? Things have changed since Jenkins went on the shelf. Back then he was considered their left tackle of the future. Then he got injured. At the same time, fellow rookie Larry Borom suddenly emerged as an option at that spot as well. Then he got hurt too. Now months later veteran Jason Peters is at left tackle with Borom doing a solid job on the right side. This leaves Jenkins in an odd position.

What do the coaches do with him?

Do they carry on with the original plan of him being their eventual left tackle? Or do they pencil Borom in for that spot and make plans for Jenkins to take over right tackle, which was his original spot in college? Based on comments from offensive line coach Juan Castillo, the Bears haven't reached a definitive answer to that. So they're going to move forward with the rookie taking practice reps at both spots.

This can't be considered a huge surprise. Since the team has no definitive spot to put him, they've decided to get work at both. This is a common approach for backups in the NFL. Teams like to have what they call a "swing" tackle. Somebody who can fill in at both the right and left sides when needed. Since Jenkins isn't likely to start anytime soon, the coaches seem to think he can benefit from this approach.

Teven Jenkins' versatility may prove invaluable

Having a player who can play well at one tackle spot is good. Having a player who can play well at both is even better. The fact that Jenkins was so effective at right tackle in college but already feels more comfortable on the left side is a welcome sign. Given the health setbacks that this team has had up front this year, getting him back is great timing. The trick will be finding ways to get him on the field. Neither Peters nor Borom look like they deserve to get benched. So unless one of them gets hurt, the Bears may need to get creative in order for Teven Jenkins to get snaps. This can be done through unbalanced formations where they bring in an extra offensive lineman to block on run plays. Then they can also get him in on field goal blocking duties.

It isn't much but it's a good place to start.

Fans are anxious to see the kid play. They were teased for months after the draft. His injury postponed that. Now with a return so close, they want at least a glimpse of whether or not Jenkins is worth the hype he got. Is he a big part of their future? Answers are coming.