The Chicago Bears offense hasn’t found a consistent rhythm through the first week and a half of training camp. Part of it is having a new coordinator (Shane Waldron) and a rookie quarterback (Caleb Williams). However, observers have noted a big problem is the lack of continuity up front. Multiple starting offensive linemen have missed practice so far. Right guard Nate Davis hasn’t practiced almost the entire time. Right tackle Darnell Wright has missed almost a week. Left guard Teven Jenkins left the most recent practice with an undisclosed issue.
Keep in mind that all of this is happening while the Bears still don’t have a definitive center, as Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates remain in competition for it. Many can’t help but wonder if Williams is going down the same path as Justin Fields, constantly at the mercy of inadequate protection. Thankfully, fans were treated to some good news on Tuesday. According to multiple reports, Wright, Davis, and Jenkins were all back practicing. It is the first time the entire starting group has been together on the field since camp began.
GM Ryan Poles knew the risks. He understood Davis and Jenkins had shaky health track records. Even so, he opted to focus on getting Williams a bevy of front-line weapons rather than go after offensive line help in free agency or the draft. Now, all of the remaining proven options are off the table. Connor Williams, the last holdout, appears set to sign with Baltimore or Seattle in the next couple of days. Any move the Bears make will likely be for depth purposes. Starters are never available this time of year.
There is no doubt the Chicago Bears would’ve loved to throw resources at the line this year. Unfortunately, they had other priorities, and a team could address only so many positions in one year. The good news is this front is capable of playing good football when healthy. There were glimpses of it last season. Jenkins and Braxton Jones were steady on the left side. Wright and Davis made a formidable run-blocking duo. All the team can do is hope their bodies hold together for long enough.
