If 2019 is proving anything, it's to never assume in the NFL. The Chicago Bears felt they were coming into the year with tremendous stability on offense. Especially along the offensive line. All five starters from the previous year were coming back. Cody Whitehair and Bobby Massie on new contracts so the long-term outlooked seemed good. Sadly it's never that simple with this team as recent reports indicate.
Massie, who has been a steady presence at right tackle for years in Chicago hasn't enjoyed this season. Aside from struggles on the field, he's now dealing with multiple injuries. A back problem knocked him out of the game against the Los Angeles Rams. Thankfully he returned from that quickly. However, it didn't last long. Massie then left the game against the New York Giants with a lower leg injury. He was last seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has since revealed that the veteran blocker is dealing with a high ankle sprain. One that figures to knock him out of the lineup for the next few weeks. This pushes backup Cornelius Lucas into that spot. That means the Bears will now start with an entire right side of their offensive line consisting of backups. Don't forget they also lost Kyle Long to a season-ending hip injury in October.
Bobby Massie loss makes life even harder up front
If people weren't entirely sure whether the offensive line might undergo some serious retooling in 2020, this latest development all but cements it. Long will probably be released due to a contract that has become too expensive. Massie turns 31-years old next year, so the time might be right to begin searching for his eventual replacement. The Bears have the 29th ranked rushing attack and are on pace to give up the most sacks they have in nine years.
Stuff like that doesn't happen and not result in change. Hopefully Massie heals quickly because it isn't like him being out will make things better.
