The Ryan Bates Situation Was Reportedly Way Worse Than Believed

The Chicago Bears traded for veteran guard Ryan Bates in the off-season. He was somebody GM Ryan Poles liked a lot going back to when he first arrived in 2022. Chicago tried to sign him as a restricted free agent before the Buffalo Bills matched the offer. Poles finally got his guy this off-season. Initial plans were for him to compete for the center and right guard jobs. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury sidelined him for most of training camp, eventually landing him on Injured Reserve.

What people don't know is the injury was much worse than reported. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Bates wasn't dealing with a standard issue that could be fixed by surgery. There was nothing structurally wrong with Bates' shoulder. It was more of an arthritis issue. Every time he tried to practice, the pain would be excruciating. It got to a point where they were running out of solutions. Bates even considered retirement. His last hope was a radical solution involving stem cell therapy.

There was one problem. It isn't approved in the United States.

The Bears placed Bates, 27, on injured reserve after Week 1. The veteran credits a trip to Panama to receive stem cell therapy for reviving his career....

...Bates huddled with the team’s trainers and doctors. He consulted with outside shoulder experts. His agent, Noel LaMontagne, had researched stem cell therapy and introduced it as a possibility — one Bates would have to pay for himself — and all parties mulled the options...

...Surgery wasn’t recommended because there was nothing structurally wrong with the joint. Medical professionals explained the potentially small risks — stem cell treatment is not approved in the United States. Bates spoke with other athletes who turned to stem cell treatment, liked the positive feedback he received, and with the team’s blessing a plan was put into motion quickly, knowing each day was of the essence if he was going to return this season.

About a week after he was moved to IR, Bates was in Panama City at Auragens, a company that says on its website it has worked with NFL veterans such as Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay and Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark, among others.

Bates’ treatment plan included five days at the facility, and he said he noticed a difference within 72 hours of being finished.

Ryan Bates' tough luck continued on Sunday.

He must've felt so relieved that he could get back to playing football at the level he's accustomed to. It was just in time because the Bears needed him to fill in for the injured Teven Jenkins. Sadly, he suffered a concussion early in the game and was forced to leave. One can only imagine his frustration with that happening so soon after returning. Still, it was his first known such injury. He should be able to return relatively soon, and there have been no setbacks with the shoulder. The Bears still have high hopes for Ryan Bates. It wouldn't be shocking if he takes over permanently at right guard for the rest of the season once Jenkins is back. Matt Pryor has been an admirable replacement for Nate Davis, but his lack of speed hurts them sometimes in pass protection.