LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Entering training camp, the Bears believed in their depth on the offensive line. That depth is already being tested.
For most of practice Sunday morning at Halas Hall, the Bears worked without three of their projected five starters on the offensive line. The absences were due to apparent injuries. Starting left tackle Braxton Jones and center Ryan Bates were the lone offensive linemen working in their usual spots on the first-team offense.
Bears right tackle Darnell Wright remains sidelined with an injury, though it isn't expected to be a long-term issue. Wright was present with the team during practice Sunday but didn't participate. Starting right guard Nate Davis participated during warmups but was held out of team drills, likely as part of his ramp-up plan to action. Davis hasn't practiced since July 26 due to an undisclosed injury.
Early in practice Sunday, the Bears suffered another loss as starting left guard Teven Jenkins departed with head athletic trainer Andre Tucker. Jenkins didn't return to the field.
The Bears continued to try out their depth on the starting offensive line. Jerome Carvin stepped in at left guard, while Bill Murray worked in at right guard. Veteran reserves Matt Pryor and Jake Curhan each took snaps at right tackle.
Bates, Pryor, Curhan and veteran center Coleman Shelton all represent experienced veterans whom the Bears added this past offseason. General manager Ryan Poles sought to stabilize the offensive line after dealing with injuries and inconsistencies in previous years.
“One of the tough things we’ve had to do the first two years is just a lack of depth and not enough versatility to really create the best five from Week 1 all the way to the very end of the season,” Poles said in July. “We’re happy with that group, but obviously, they’ve got to continue to work, get better and build that chemistry together.”
Wright played every snap as a rookie in 2023. Davis and Jenkins each missed six starts apiece.
The Bears' injuries on the offensive line could affect their approach to their second preseason game, which will come Saturday at the Buffalo Bills. If they have injury concerns, that could prevent rookie starting quarterback Caleb Williams from taking the field Saturday.
Coach Matt Eberflus wasn't made available to reporters Sunday to address the offensive line. He has maintained a policy of declining to offer specifics on preseason injuries or related strategy adjustments.
The Bears have a scheduled off day Monday before returning to practice Tuesday.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.