LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Three weeks into training camp, the Bears continue to struggle with a long injury report.
The good news is there are two-and-a half-weeks until the first practice of Week 1, when the Bears will begin their preparations for the Rams. But it's clear this team will be missing some key players to open the season, even if coach Matt Nagy isn't admitting it yet.
Here's the rundown of Bears injuries and where each player stands regarding a potential return.
Teven Jenkins (back)
Projected role: Starting left tackle
As each training camp practice passed without Jenkins taking the field, the news of Wednesday became inevitable. A second-round pick who was projected to start at left tackle, Jenkins will instead undergo back surgery.
The Bears are still hoping that Jenkins can return later this season, Nagy said. At the least, they'll have more clarity in projecting his healing after surgery rather than holding out hope for a natural recovery without a procedure. But now the Bears must rely on recently signed 39-year-old Jason Peters to step in as the starter at left tackle.
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While Nagy expressed hope for Jenkins to play this season, there are now major concerns with his health in the big picture.
Justin Fields (groin)
Projected role: Backup quarterback
The Bears are being cautious with Fields' groin soreness, with Nagy saying the team will be "conservative" working him back to full speed.
As of Wednesday morning, the Bears were still planning for Fields to play in their second preseason game Saturday, though that could change as the team wants to make sure he's 100% healthy. Fields was present for warmups in practice Wednesday.
Roquan Smith (groin)
Projected role: Starting inside linebacker
Though Smith is the biggest name on the injury report, his groin injury doesn't seem to be one to worry about. He appeared to be working in a limited fashion Wednesday in practice.
Smith is entering his fourth season and doesn't need every training camp snap to prove himself or get into top form. He should probably be held out of all preseason games regardless of his injury status.
"No news is probably good news with him," Nagy said.
Danny Trevathan (knee)
Projected role: Starting inside linebacker
The 31-year-old Trevathan landing on the injury report is likely a matter of maintenance, but it's certainly concerning when a 10-year veteran is at risk of losing a step.
The Bears fortified their inside linebacker position with the addition of veteran Alec Ogletree, who could factor into the rotation even if Trevathan is healthy.
Robert Quinn (ankle)
Projected role: Starting outside linebacker
There was a dose of good news Wednesday as Quinn return to practice following an ankle issue. It seems that injury was rather minor, though after he struggled in 2020, Quinn needs to be healthy in practice and productive on the field.
Quinn, 31, dealt with a foot issue in the summer of 2020 before missing the regular-season opener with an ankle injury. He also missed a large portion of this training camp with back soreness, which combined with his ankle issue leads you to wonder if he'll be near his best form this season.
Eddie Goldman (back)
Projected role: Starting nose tackle
Just two days after returning to practice from the COVID-19 reserve list, Goldman is now dealing with a back flare-up. Nagy indicated Goldman's ailment isn't concerning. If it is, the Bears have quality depth on the defensive line to replace him.
Cole Kmet (hamstring)
Projected role: Starting Y tight end
Kmet felt some tightness during practice Tuesday, and the Bears are going to be cautious with him just like they are Fields. Kmet's injury isn't a cause for concern, though it might affect his status for the preseason game Saturday.
James Daniels (quad)
Projected role: Starting right guard
Daniels has been dealing with his quad injury for two weeks. The good news is that he appears close to returning, but Daniels may now have some competition to beat out in Alex Bars, who has filled the void at right guard during his absence.
Larry Borom (concussion)
Projected role: Reserve tackle
Borom has missed more than two weeks with his concussion. The Bears have recently had their offensive linemen wearing protective coverings over their helmets that are designed to help prevent concussions.
Badara Traore (knee)
Projected role: Reserve tackle
Traore was carted off with a knee injury during practice Tuesday morning. It's unclear how long he'll be out, as the team is still evaluating his health.
Tre Roberson (knee)
Projected role: Reserve cornerback
After spending 2020 on injured reserve, the former CFL star Roberson has been set back by another injury. Unfortunately, it's costing him the chance to make an impression with the Bears.
Josh Woods (quad)
Projected role: Reserve inside linebacker
The Bears turned to Ogletree at inside linebacker as their depth was tested at the position, where Woods is one of several players still working back from injury.
Physically-unable-to-perform list
Germain Ifedi (hip flexor)
Projected role: Starting right tackle
While Jenkins is out, there's good news for the Bears at tackle on the other side of the line. Ifedi should be close to returning from a hip flexor injury that he suffered during a conditioning test. The Bears' offensive line has struggled to solidify both tackle spots. Now, it looks as if Ifedi and Peters will be the starting tackles -- health provided.
Tarik Cohen (knee)
Projected role: Reserve running back, punt returner
Nearly 11 months since suffering a torn ACL last September, Cohen has been present at practice but not participating. Lateral movement is vital for Cohen's position, and his agility is what makes him dangerous, so he's looking to get back to full strength in those departments.
With Cohen out still, the Bears have turned to veteran Damien Williams and rookie Khalil Herbert behind starting running back David Montgomery.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.