LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- After missing the first three weeks of training camp, Bears rookie offensive tackle Teven Jenkins will undergo back surgery.
The team hopes Jenkins can return later this season, coach Matt Nagy said.
"We were aware of the back issues in college," Nagy said. "But this is something new.
"The goal is to get him back here this year."
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The Bears traded up in the second round to select Jenkins with the No. 39 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Before his injury setback, he was projected to start at left tackle this season. Jenkins hasn't practiced since minicamp in June.
The Bears signed nine-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters, 39, to a one-year deal earlier this week. Peters now projects as the starter at left tackle.
"It's something where you care about these players individually," Nagy said. "But then at the same time, you got your head coach hat on, you got to make sure it's a next-man-up mentality.
"Starting today, Teven is on his plan and we're on our plan now moving forward at the left tackle position. So this is one of those deals where you got to be able to roll with the punches and you got to be able to accept news when it comes a certain way."
Additionally, Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields (groin) will be held out of practice Wednesday morning. The team will be "conservative" with his status, Nagy said.
Fields was working through warmups Wednesday morning in practice. Nagy was unsure whether Fields' groin soreness would keep him out of Chicago's preseason game against Buffalo at Soldier Field on Saturday.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.