REPORT: The Nate Davis Fiasco Somehow Just Got Even Worse

Most of the time it feels too soon to declare a free agent signing the worst ever in franchise history. Yet somehow, Nate Davis is making a concerted effort to change that. He was already angering fans by his conspicuous absence from most of training camp with undisclosed injuries. Then he missed practices for personal reasons leading up to the opener against Green Bay. In the game, he was horrific, allowing nine pressures on Justin Fields. Now, if all of that weren't enough, the expensive free agent guard will not play on Sunday in Tampa Bay.

Again, for personal reasons.

Something really strange is happening at Halas Hall right now. Davis isn't even the first person to step away from the team this week due to "personal reasons." Defensive coordinator Alan Williams did the same earlier this week. Now Davis. The Bears signed him this off-season to a three-year deal for $30 million. Outside of Tremaine Edmunds, he was their most expensive acquisition. Together with the Chase Claypool trade, it's not a great look for GM Ryan Poles and his ability to properly evaluate players, at least from a mental perspective.

Nate Davis exit might be a blessing in disguise.

It was painfully obvious that his head wasn't in the game last week. The sheer number of mental mistakes he made was baffling. Until the Bears can figure out where his head is at, it might be best if he stayed away from the team. Conversely, his exit presents an opportunity for second-year guard Ja'Tyre Carter. The former 7th round pick played quite well in the preseason. He allowed only three pressures on 69 pass-blocking snaps while earning an 82.6 run-blocking grade. He's obviously untried, but his ability is noteworthy.

There is at least no question of his commitment and focus. It's also possible recent trade addition Dan Feeney will get the nod. He has minimal practice time in this offense, but his experience might be something the Bears lean on.

Nate Davis was an enigma from the moment he stepped into Halas Hall. He almost never spoke to the media, got hurt, never practiced, and now this latest mess. Maybe he's going through something bad right now. Or maybe he just doesn't like what's being asked of him from the coaching staff. Neither possibility is great. All of this taking place before a must-win game in Tampa Bay pretty much sums up a disastrous start to 2023 for Chicago.

***********************************UPDATE*******************************************

New information has surfaced courtesy of Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune and Courtney Cronin of ESPN. It appears Davis suffered a death in the family and he is stepping away to deal with it. This family member has been suffering from an undisclosed ailment for some time, which explains the guard's ongoing non-injury absences from practice over the past month.

All one can do is feel sympathy for what Davis is going through. Losing family members is never easy at the best of times. Hopefully, he heals from this in due time.