The status of the Chicago Bears’ starting offensive line remains uncertain just days before the team’s Week 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Starting guards Josh Sitton (ankle) and Tom Compton (concussion) were on Thursday’s injury report, according to Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune.
Both players suffered injuries in the second half of Saturday’s loss to the Detroit Lions. Sitton left the game limping with an injured ankle right before the Bears left on a lengthy scoring drive. Compton was also removed from the game and placed into the NFL’s concussion protocol. While Sitton has been a non-participant in each of the team’s practices this week, Compton has been listed as limited.
The duo’s injury issues put the line in flux entering Sunday’s game against the Browns.
Chicago finished its Week 15 loss with an interior line trio of Bradley Sowell and Cody Whitehair at guard flanking center Hroniss Grasu. Whitehair looked to be coming into his own again at center after spending time at three different spots during the preseason and early in the regular season. But because Grasu isn’t an option at either guard spot, Whitehair is forced to move out of his best position.
If Sitton and Compton can’t suit up on Sunday, it will leave Sowell, Grasu, and Whitehair take the field as the starting interior trio, with recently promoted Cameron Lee playing the role of swing lineman.
Tight end Adam Shaheen remained limited in practice on Thursday. Even though quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw for more than 300 yards, Shaheen’s large presence was missed during the Bears’ loss to the Lions when Trubisky threw interceptions deep in Detroit territory.
Wide receiver Josh Bellamy (foot) was a full participant and could see a healthy dose of snaps against Cleveland’s secondary. Safety Chris Prosinksi (concussion) was also limited in practice. The Bears won’t probably push his return after starting safety Adrian Amos returned to practice as a full participant on Wednesday. Cornerback/special teams ace Sherrick McManis (illness) missed practice altogether.