Chicago Bears Grab Needed O-Line Help From Division Rival

Injuries have reared their head for the Chicago Bears at training camp this year. No position has probably felt it more than the interior offensive line. Free agent addition Nate Davis still hasn't returned to practice since camp began. Lucas Patrick is also nursing an injury as well. Teven Jenkins' health track record is already unreliable. It feels like the Bears have serious depth concerns, especially after watching the defensive line dominate them for most of Thursday's padded practice.

So it wasn't a surprise when news dropped that the team had claimed veteran guard Logan Stenberg off waivers from the Detroit Lions. They released wide receiver Aron Cruickshank to make room. Stenberg is a former 4th round pick out of Kentucky. He spent the past three seasons with the Lions, logging 232 snaps of game action, all of them last season. He allowed 12 pressures and two sacks during that span while earning a decent run-blocking grade.

Stenberg fits what the Chicago Bears like in their linemen.

He's big, tough, gritty, and strong. He plays with a nasty demeanor and has a blue-collar workman-like approach to the game. There were multiple instances last year where he played a big part in opening running lanes. Stenberg's debut as a pass protector was less encouraging. He gave up 10 pressures and two sacks in his first two starts. To be fair, those starts came against Philadelphia and Washington, who have arguably the two best defensive lines in the NFL. After that, he seemed to settle down, allowing only two pressures over his final 52 snaps.

His last start was easily his best, a well-rounded performance against Minnesota, where the Lions won 34-23. Nobody would confuse Stenberg for being a clear-cut starter. That said, he's still only 26 with good size, power, and some starting experience. His mentality also fits the Chicago Bears' culture. Claiming him was an easy decision for GM Ryan Poles. It adds depth and competition to an uncertain area of the roster. One can make a safe assumption this might not be the last move they make too.