It feels like bad news is always a thing for the Chicago Bears on the offensive line. Injuries have haunted that unit for the past two decades. It started with Marc Colombo, then Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi. Kyle Long was easily the most heartbreaking story, given how great he was when healthy. Now another promising lineman is watching his career spiral because he can't stay on the field. That is Teven Jenkins.
After dealing with back injuries in 2021 and hip/stinger injuries last year, it was hoped the former 2nd round pick had finally made it through a training camp healthy. He did not. Jenkins will reportedly miss the next several weeks with an undisclosed leg injury. That means the Bears must find a replacement at left guard. Here are the best options on the table.
The loss of Teven Jenkins leaves Bears with these options.
Alex Leatherwood
The most straightforward option. Since the start of training camp, the Bears have kept Leatherwood as the primary backup at left guard. The former 1st round pick has had a promising preseason too, allowing only one pressure in 49 pass-blocking snaps. It seems the Bears are pleased with his progress. Whether it's enough to calmly hand him the starting job against that loaded Green Bay Packers front in Week 1 is the question.
Ja'Tyre Carter
Expectations were low for the former 7th round pick last year. That is always the case. He was a flier Ryan Poles felt had developmental upside. His training camp and preseason improvement have become one of the biggest surprises. Not only has he allowed only one pressure in 47 pass blocks, but he's also their second-highest graded run blocker this preseason. The big issue is the Bears have played him exclusively at right guard.
Lucas Patrick
The veteran was signed last year primarily to be their center, but he has lots of experience playing both guard positions as well. He played three games last year for the Bears at left guard. Unfortunately, he allowed 12 pressures and two sacks in those games. In fairness, they were against some of the best defensive fronts in the league. Still, that and his uncertain health status make this idea questionable.
Dalton Risner
By far the best available guard remaining on the free agent market. Risner was a steady presence for the Denver Broncos over the past four seasons, allowing only 10 sacks in that time despite constant scheme changes. He's a smart, tough blocker with the attitude the Bears usually like. Unfortunately, his athleticism is average. So mobility in that wide-zone scheme might be a problem.
Justin Pugh
From 2019 through 2021, Pugh was one of the best pass-blocking guards in the league. Sadly, last season ended early for him, thanks to a torn ACL. Recent reports indicate he is recovered and ready to return. Few have more experience at left guard than him. Still, he's 33 years old and isn't much of a run blocker. This move would be about hoping he can keep Justin Fields protected. Not much else.
Andrew Norwell
If you want a plug-and-play starter at left guard, Norwell feels like the obvious choice. He's played the position his entire NFL career, and most of the time, he was above average. He pass protects well, allowing an average of 22 pressures per season over the past five years. Like Risner, he's not a premier athlete. He is a tenacious brawler, though, and isn't afraid to get after it with anybody and everybody.
Waiver wire
Don't forget the Bears hold the #1 spot in the waiver priority list. If they're looking to find a Teven Jenkins replacement on the cheap, this would be the way to do it. Several offensive linemen are going to be cut around the NFL soon. The law of averages says there will be at least one Poles and his scouts like. It would be an easy decision to claim them. Whether they can slot right in as a starter is impossible to answer. Such players becoming available this late in the off-season are rare.
