Mired by struggles, Bears seeking solutions for offensive line: 'We want guys to solidify themselves in there'
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Decimated by injuries to and inconsistent play from their offensive line, the Bears are opening up competition for that unit.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus indicated Wednesday that his team will explore its options on the offensive line as it hopes to find the best combination. That could mean changes for the unit.
"We're looking for the best five," Eberflus said prior to practice Wednesday. "We don't want musical chairs in there. We're not at that point. We want guys to solidify themselves in there by their performance and then keep going in terms of the consistency, having week after week performing at a high level. That's what we're searching for. It's early in the season. We're looking for that. Some of the guys are doing that. We've just got to keep pressing the whole group to do it."
The Bears have been set back by a back injury for right tackle Darnell Wright, who didn't practice Wednesday. Starting right guard Nate Davis (groin) only played in a reserve role this past Sunday in the Bears' loss to the Colts. Davis and left tackle Braxton Jones (knee) were limited in practice Wednesday.
Versatile veteran reserve Matt Pryor started in Davis' place at right guard. He has the ability to step in at tackle as well. The Bears are also assessing whether rookie offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie is ready to play with the starting unit. A third-round pick in the NFL Draft, Amegadjie missed most of the offseason program and the preseason while recovering from a quad injury.
Amegadjie is now practicing without restrictions after months of mental reps.
"I kind of just took it day by day, set small goals for myself and worked towards the bigger picture," Amegadjie said. "I think when you worry about the bigger picture and the big end goal, you kind of get lost. I just kind of focused on the process of getting better day by day and getting ready for when my body was going to be ready to do so.
"I'll be ready. I feel ready. Whatever this team needs from me, I'll do that."
The Bears' search for an offensive identity starts with protecting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams better. Williams has been sacked 13 times in three games, including seven times during Chicago's loss at Houston on Sept. 15. And far too often, Williams has been pressured out of the pocket and forced to make a play.
To make matters even worse, the Bears have been unable to start up their running game. Chicago is 31st in the NFL with 72.7 rushing yards per game and is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry. Lead back D'Andre Swift has carried 37 times for just 68 yards – an average of just 1.8 yards per carry.
The Bears made significant upgrades at their skill positions this past offseason by adding Swift, six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen and rookie receiver Rome Odunze to the supporting cast for the 22-year-old Williams.
But in a 1-2 start, the Bears have been unable to form a functioning offense in large part due to their struggles on the line.
Now, the Bears are once again searching for their best five on the offensive line and hoping it gives the entire offense a better chance at success.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
