Two days after news broke that nose tackle Eddie Goldman had opted out of playing the 2020 season due to health concerns, the Bears on Thursday placed nose tackle John Jenkins on the new reserve/COVID-19 list. That designation for Jenkins means he either tested positive for the coronavirus or came in close contact with someone who's infected.
Jenkins had been the leading candidate to fill Goldman's role in the middle of the defensive line. Assuming he recovers safely and is cleared, Jenkins should still have plenty of time to get prepared. Preseason games have been canceled amid the pandemic, and Chicago's opener is at Detroit on Sept. 13.
Jenkins, 31, played for the Bears in 2017. He played for the Giants in 2018 and the Dolphins in 2019, when he had 34 tackles and one sack in 16 games, including five starts.
Bears running back Artavis Pierce and tight end Eric Saubert are also on the COVID-19 list.