LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — With injuries taking a toll, the Bears have realigned their offensive line.
On Monday, the Bears lined up Lucas Patrick at center and Cody Whitehair shifted over to left guard during the open portion of practice. That change came as starting left guard Teven Jenkins is dealing with a leg injury.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus wasn't available to reporters for comment after practice. The changes on the depth chart weren't previously seen during training camp.
Jenkins is expected to miss the start of the regular season, the Chicago Tribune first reported Sunday night. He wasn't present for practice Monday.
A second-round pick of the Bears in 2021, Jenkins has played in 19 NFL games, starting 13 contests. He missed the majority of his rookie season after undergoing back surgery in August 2021, as he appeared in just the final six games. Jenkins missed four games in 2022 and was carted off the field in a December game due to a neck injury.
Jenkins didn't appear to suffer an injury during practice last week, and he addressed reporters last Thursday night in Westfield, Ind., speaking with hope about his health.
"I mean, it hopefully shows signs of my wanted durability of myself for the rest of the season," Jenkins said. "So, as long as I’m staying out here right now through training camp, hopefully it shows positive signs for the rest of the year."
Whitehair shifted from left guard to center this offseason, moving back to the position that he played for the first five years of his career. The eight-year veteran Whitehair has started 107 career games. Patrick played in seven games and started five in 2022, his first year with the Bears. He suffered a season-ending toe injury in late October.
Patrick joined the Bears on a two-year deal in March 2022, with the team intending for him to start at center. However, a hand fracture during training camp last year forced him into playing guard.
The Bears held a light practice in Lake Forest on Monday. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, receiver Chase Claypool, pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, pass rusher DeMarcus Walker, safety Eddie Jackson and safety Jaquan Brisker were among those sidelined from work.
The Bears host the Bills on Saturday at Soldier Field in their preseason finale.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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