An already short-handed Chicago Bears offensive line will be without yet another starter on Sunday after the team ruled right guard Nate Davis out for their Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Less than 24 hours after being listed as doubtful to play, a family death will keep Davis out of the lineup. For the Bears, this means they’ll be without both of their starting guards in today’s game. Bummer.
The Trib’s Brad Biggs notes that the personal matter could be what caused Davis to miss practice in the build-up to Week 1. And could be why he missed some time in the summer during training camp. At the end of the day, I hope Davis and his family find peace in what has clearly been a turbulent time in his life.
As for the football ramifications, it leaves the Bears digging into their reserves in search of answers along the line. Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright are locked in at tackle, but the interior trio seems full of uncertainty. Lucas Patrick figures to start again at center with Cody Whitehair returning to his left guard spot. But neither player looked to be at the top of their game in Week 1. Perhaps that isn’t a coincidence when you consider that both players missed time during training camp and the preseason due to summertime injuries. This leaves right guard as the major question mark. For what it’s worth, the Bears have options.
A look at the Bears’ offensive line reserves
Thinking about the Bears offensive line has me feeling uneasy again. This unit is without two starters (Davis, Teven Jenkins) and a top reserve lineman (Doug Kramer). Their starting left guard would be at center if not for an injury to his snapping hand. And their starting center was supposed to be quality depth with positional versatility, but injuries have factored into him not being at his best. Between Davis’ short-term future being uncertain and that pile of injuries, I would be surprised (and disappointed) if the Bears didn’t kick the tires on the tryout circuit this upcoming week.
