One thing to remember about training camp is to expect the unexpected. Preconceived notions about how a roster will shake out are never a wise decision. The Chicago Bears have proven that multiple times already under this regime. Last year was no exception. Not a soul on the planet expected undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent to supplant P.J. Walker as the backup quarterback behind Justin Fields. Yet that is what happened. The Bears promised you’d get a roster spot if you earned it. Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus said they wanted competition everywhere. It’s about showing, not telling with them.
That is why it might not be sensible to presume every starting job is locked up before camp begins. Some obvious spots are up for grabs, such as the defensive end position opposite Montez Sweat. Chicago still needs to determine who their next center will be. However, that might not be the only spot on the offensive line up for grabs. Adam Jahns of The Athletic dropped a tiny bombshell in a recent article, indicating fans may want to keep a close eye on the right guard position as well.
“Offensive line coach Chris Morgan said center is an open competition between Bates and Shelton. But my gut feeling is that there will also be a competition at right guard in training camp. The Bears will tell you they’re searching for their best five linemen. That could be Shelton at center and Bates at right guard over Davis. But the most compelling storyline could be if Amegadjie is healthy and ready to compete to play.”
He was absent for most of training camp last year, then missed multiple games with injury setbacks. Now, here he is again in 2024, missing OTAs and minicamps because of more health issues. The Bears paid him a lot of money to become their new right guard. He hasn’t even come close to earning those paychecks. He can’t stay healthy and was inconsistent whenever he did play. Chicago is 100% right not to guarantee him anything, especially when they have other options on the table.
By far, the biggest is Ryan Bates. The Chicago Bears traded for the veteran from Buffalo for a 5th round pick. While he is supposedly competing for the center spot, it’s worth remembering the bulk of his starting experience in the NFL came at right guard. If anybody is perfectly situated to unseat Davis, it is him. Veteran Matt Pryor also started some games at that spot. The Bears don’t seem inclined to promise anything this year. Poles has proven multiple times that he isn’t afraid to admit a mistake and move on. See Chase Claypool. The Bears didn’t even give up a draft pick for Davis. He better hope he stays healthy come training camp.
