Bears Left Guard Platoon Will Continue Until James Daniels is Ready for Full-Time Duty

The changing of the (left) guard isn’t here yet, but it’s coming.

Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy addressed the left guard rotation in his Wednesday meeting with the assembled media at Halas Hall, if only slightly:

Rookie James Daniels has seen a 110 game reps over the last three games as he has entered a time share at left guard with starter Eric Kush. So while this platoon could be to the long-term benefit of the Bears offensive line, while also keeping the team’s win-now priorities in order, it can’t last forever, right?

If you’re a believer in trends, then the numbers suggest the platoon’s time is running out. Daniels has out-snapped Kush in each of the last two weeks and hasn’t been a detriment to the offense when he has been on the field. HOWEVER, it’s clear that he isn’t quite where he needs to be to given the keys as a full-time starter. But his time will come.

“James is getting some valuable experience. It’s great for him to have that,” Nagy said in his Wednesday press conference. “It’s even better for him to have a guy like Kush who’s there to support him when in a lot of situations it could go the other way.

It’s an unconventional way of going about player development, but it’s a plan that hasn’t led to any major blowups to this point. Kush has been steady in pass protection with a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade that ranks 21st among 73 qualifying guards, while Daniels has excelled as a run-blocker with a PFF grade that would check in as the 14th best at the position (if he played enough snaps to qualify). That’s great and all, but at some point, your second-round pick who was drafted to be a starter in the NFL should do just that. Patience is important, but come on, the signs are pointing to the undeniable value of making a move that could benefit the team for the present and future.

Before Sunday’s Bears game against the Patriots, PFF and ESPN teamed to put together an Insider piece on the league’s most underutilized players. Naturally, Daniels made the cut for the Bears. The University of Iowa product has graded out well and has passed the eye test to date. And with Kush battling injuries before each of the last two games, it probably seems like a matter of “when” and not “if” Daniels takes over on a full-time basis.

But as long as the time share continues to work, it’s going to be difficult for the Bears to move away from it. I’ve been thinking of the old adage “it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” when this platoon has crossed my mind. However, the trends are hard to ignore and Daniels’ arrow is pointing up. His time will come soon.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

Latest News

Guardians vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

The Cleveland Guardians (0-0) and the Oakland Athletics (0-0) square off on Thursday at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for Opening Day. First pitch is at 10:07 PM ET.The Guardians will call on Shane Bieber versus the Athletics and Alex Wood.Guardians vs....

Mariners vs. Red Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

The Seattle Mariners (0-0) open their 2024 season with a home contest against the Boston Red Sox (0-0) on Thursday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.The Mariners will look to Luis Castillo against the Red Sox and Brayan Bello.Mariners...

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

The Arizona Diamondbacks (0-0) begin their 2024 season with a home matchup against the Colorado Rockies (0-0) on Thursday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.The Diamondbacks will give the nod to Zac Gallen against the Rockies and Kyle Freeland.Diamondbacks...

Buffalo Bills 1st Round Mock Draft: Wild Crossroads at 28 – Offense or Defense?

The Buffalo Bills stand at a crossroads. The 2024 NFL Draft looms, and the 28th pick presents a fascinating dilemma. This Buffalo Bills 1st Round Mock Draft analyzes 10 different options that could be available to them at their current...

How to Watch Celtics vs. Hawks: Live Stream or on TV

The Atlanta Hawks (33-39) hope to continue a three-game home winning stretch when hosting the Boston Celtics (57-15) on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET.In their last time out, the Celtics lost 120-118 to the Hawks on Monday....

Rangers vs. Cubs Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Texas Rangers look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-120) in a season-opening matchup with the Chicago Cubs. First pitch is on Thursday at 7:35 PM ET on ESPN, live from Globe Life Field.Texas' Nathan...

Dejounte Murray Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Celtics – Thursday, March 28, 2024

Will Dejounte Murray make four 3-pointers when the Atlanta Hawks face the Boston Celtics on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Dejounte Murray's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the CelticsDejounte Murray's over/under for three-pointers...

Bogdan Bogdanovic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Celtics – Thursday, March 28, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, Bogdan Bogdanovic needs to make three from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Atlanta Hawks meet the Boston Celtics on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET.Bogdan Bogdanovic's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the CelticsBogdan Bogdanovic's over/under...

Jayson Tatum Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, it'll be the Boston Celtics versus the Atlanta Hawks, with Jayson Tatum needing three treys to beat his 3-pointer prop.Jayson Tatum's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksJayson Tatum's over/under for three-pointers in this game:...

Jaylen Brown Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

To beat his 3-point prop, Jaylen Brown must make three from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Boston Celtics play the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET.Jaylen Brown's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksJaylen Brown's over/under for...

more bears news