The Chicago Bears’ offensive line situation didn’t gain much clarity when the injury report was shared on Friday:
#DaBears Friday injury report heading into #CLEvsCHI:
DNP & Doubtful: Sitton (ankle)
LIMITED & Questionable: Shaheen (chest) Compton (concussion) Prosinski (concussion)Sherrick McManis (illness) returned to practice today.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 22, 2017
Left guard Josh Sitton missed the team’s third straight practice, which led to him being listed as doubtful for Sunday’s Week 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Bears have problems on the other side of the line, too, with right guard Tom Compton limited in practice once again as he deals with a concussion. Compton was already filling in for Kyle Long, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in December.
At least tight end Adam Shaheen (chest) is listed as questionable despite being limited in Friday’s practice. Shaheen played through the injury in Week 14, but did not suit up against the Detroit Lions. Safety Chris Prosinski (concussion) was listed as questionable. If he plays, it will likely be in a special teams/reserve role with Adrian Amos set to return to the starting lineup.
Because of the lack of stability along the interior of the line, Chicago could choose to start Hroniss Grasu at center again, move Cody Whitehair off his best position to either guard spot, and reserve lineman Bradley Sowell into the remaining guard spot. This could leave the Bears vulnerable to pressure up the middle as they were at times in their loss to the Lions.
Grasu and Sowell have played limited snaps, but haven’t performed well. According to Pro Football Focus’ grading scale, Grasu has earned a 32.3 grade in his 141 snaps and Sowell a 40.2 in 136 plays.