Just when you thought the Chicago Bears found peace and harmony along the offensive line, the injury bug began nibbling away.
First, it was center Lucas Patrick landing on IR earlier in the week. Patrick left the Bears’ Monday Night Football win against the Patriots with a foot injury after just 10 plays. And now, the offensive line finds itself in more of a crunch with news that starting right tackle Larry Borom was ruled OUT for Chicago’s Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys. That isn’t news you want to hear. And certainly not when Micah Parsons is set to line up on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
The Borom news is several layers of bad for the Bears. Firstly, Borom played on each of the Bears’ offensive snaps on MNF. So that he entered concussion protocol after the game worries me. Concussions and head injuries are serious business. As are the sub-concussive hits that come when you’re playing football (especially on the offensive line). Beyond the very serious head injury concerns, Borom is a big piece of the OL puzzle. Borom hasn’t missed a snap all year as he has used his performance this year to start making a case to be a long-term solution at the position. Missing this upcoming game means there is one less opportunity for him to strut his stuff and show his growth. Hopefully, the concussion won’t sideline him for long.
As for the full injury report, here it is:
We’ve seen worse Friday injury reports. However, losing two starting offensive linemen in one week hurts. Things are lining up for Sam Mustipher to re-enter the starting lineup at center. However, what happens at right tackle remains a mystery. Will it be Riley Reiff? Or perhaps someone else? We’ll discuss later.