Football Doctor Offers Hopeful Update On Teven Jenkins Injury

Teven Jenkins has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for the Chicago Bears. So it's only fitting he appeared to suffer a scary injury in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Trainers and doctors immobilized him on a board and stretchered him out. That led many to wonder how bad it was. Not long after that, he was declared out for the game with a neck injury. Some have already started to wonder if this setback could spell the end of his career. One experienced source doesn't think so.

David Chao is a former NFL doctor who has since become one of the most trusted sources for medical information on the sport as Pro Football Doc. He reviewed the tape of what happened in Chicago. Based on his initial assessment, he offered fans some much-needed optimism.

"Chicago Bears right guard Teven Jenkins suffered an apparent neck injury early in the first quarter against the Eagles and was carted off.

By video, Jenkins' neck injury did not appear to be severe and there is not current concern of paralysis or spinal cord injury, according to the Pro Football Docs.

Jenkins suffered the injury while pulling on a run block and appeared to take a hit to his head/neck. He finished the play but remained facedown on the field for awhile after...

...He does have a history of lower back issues, but that should not be a factor with this current injury."

While there is no telling if Jenkins will be back this year, this diagnosis offers hope that his career can and should continue once given time to recover. It might've just been a stinger and EMTs decided to play it safe.

Teven Jenkins' status clouds the Bears' 2023 plans.

Everything felt like he was an easy fixture for their offensive line going into next year. He was playing that well. Now, this injury setback leaves room for doubts. It is the third spinal-related issue he's suffered since last year. That is never a recipe for long-term success in the NFL. Perhaps if he is able to return before the end of the season, it might ease fears among coaches and the front office. Otherwise, GM Ryan Poles may have to mark both guard spots as needs for upgrading in free agency and the draft.

It seems rather fitting. Ryan Pace's tenure as GM was marked by several of his high draft picks suffering from health issues. Kevin White was one. Hroniss Grasu, Anthony Miller, and Adam Shaheen were others. Teven Jenkins has joined that list as well. Pace has an otherworldly ability to add guys like this. They had obvious talent but could never stay on the field. One can only hope Poles doesn't suffer the same fate.