One of the biggest concerns with
Teven Jenkins coming into 2022 was his health. Anybody that knows football understands that back injuries are always a problem, especially for offensive linemen. In several cases, they have a bad tendency to become recurring issues during a career. That is why seeing the 2nd round pick undergo back surgery before ever donning pads with the
Chicago Bears raised significant red flags. People wondered if he's already damaged goods.
Since returning late last season, Jenkins has insisted his back hasn't encountered any lingering pain. He hasn't felt this good since high school. While that's nice to hear, some aren't ready to believe him. Players have been known to stretch the truth in such situations. They needed more evidence. It turns out they unexpectedly got some. During a team field trip to Wrigley Field on Thursday, players got involved in a home run derby.
Cole Kmet claimed the crown with three dingers, while
Justin Fields and Khari Blasingame had two each.
Yet the most impressive moment belonged to Jenkins.
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Yep. That is the Bears' 320-lbs right tackle putting a baseball out of the ballpark and onto Waveland Avenue. Over the left-center field fence, no less. That is said to be around 500 feet at least. The amount of power required to hit the ball that far is substantial. This again proves how much of an ogre Jenkins is and why defenders often end up on the ground when facing him. It also demonstrates the health of his back.
Anybody that has swung a baseball bat knows it requires a significant amount of torque from the lower back. If Teven Jenkins were feeling any kind of severe pain from his old injury, there is no way he'd be able to put the ball into the bleachers, let alone out of the stadium. It remains to be seen whether the second-year lineman can take his game to the next level. One thing is clear, though. His back likely won't be a reason he fails.
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