Chicago Bears offensive line becoming a MASH unit at training camp

Caleb Williams is, obviously, the Chicago Bears’ most important player. As a result, coach Matt Eberflus must do everything he can to protect him this preseason. Perhaps that was why he didn’t play the first overall pick in last week’s Hall of Fame game. Or maybe the Bears actually do have a legitimate snap count for him. Regardless, one thing remains critical for Williams’ reps this summer: he needs a viable offensive line in front of him.

As of now, that may not be the case in Week 1’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

Chicago had just one starting offensive lineman in the lineup during Sunday’s practice, and there’s no indication if that was intentional or if bigger problems are bubbling under the surface.

Here’s who was OUT: Darnell Wright, Nate Davis, and Teven Jenkins.

Here’s who was IN: Braxton Jones and Ryan Bates.

Jones is the only holdover from last year’s starting five to suit up for a full practice Sunday, not great! What’s most concerning to me is Wright’s status. I know Bears fans are frustrated by Davis’ never-ending injuries and they’re concerned Jenkins’ health could prevent him from reaching his full ceiling, but both players began training camp with an injury-prone tag. That wasn’t the case for Wright, who’s had some struggles early this summer that, perhaps, are due to a more concerning issue.

Wright has now missed three practices in a row. Ugh.

MaryKate Drews/Chicago Bears

Bears offensive line has to get healthy in a hurry

As for Davis, we could get him back to “full go” soon. Most Bears beat reporters are describing his in-practice, back-out-again status on Sunday as a ramp-up. That’s good news.

Jenkins? Who knows. His departure remains a mystery. We’ve been here before when he was a rookie, and that didn’t end well. Let’s hope he’s simply going through the normal training camp aches.

Back to the whole Caleb Williams thing… yeah, this is bad. Should the Chicago Bears run Williams out in live action behind an offensive line with players like Bill Murray and Jerome Carvin in the starting lineup? With all due respect to both of them, they aren’t guys I’d trust Caleb Williams’ protection with.

Every NFL team suffers from training camp injuries. The Bears happen to be dealing with a rash of bumps and bruises, aches and pains, strains and pulls along the offensive line. It’s normal… until it isn’t. As long as Chicago’s starting five can line up and protect Williams, we’re good. If they can’t, we have a big problem on our hands.

We’re still a few weeks away from that problem. I’d imagine a ragtag offensive line in the preseason will result in fewer reps for Williams this summer, and honestly, that’s OK. I was a huge proponent of Williams starting the Hall of Fame game to get as many reps as possible, but that’s under the assumption his injury risk will be “normal.” That clearly won’t be the case behind a patchwork offensive line.

Hopefully, we’ll get better news on the Chicago Bears injury front this week and can gear up for a strong debut from Caleb Williams and the starting offense on Saturday.