LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Bears offensive lineman Lucas Patrick was a full participant in practice Wednesday afternoon as he continues to recover from a right hand injury.
Patrick has been wearing a large cast on his right hand, which he fractured in the first practice of training camp in late July. The Bears have been mum on whether Patrick will play center or right guard in their season opener against the 49ers on Sunday at Soldier Field. Given that Patrick is wearing a cast on his right hand and the Bears have shared few details, it's unclear how efficiently he can snap the football.
"That's a great question," Patrick deadpanned when asked of his snapping capabilities.
If the Bears elect to use Patrick at right guard – where he has played for the majority of his NFL career – the team would likely start Sam Mustipher at center.
Mustipher started all 17 games at center for the Bears in 2021. After Patrick suffered his injury in training camp, Mustipher stepped in as the primary center. If Patrick does play center, second-year offensive lineman Teven Jenkins projects to start at right guard. A second-round pick of the Bears in 2021, Jenkins shifted from tackle to guard in August and soon emerged as a starter.
The Bears practiced Wednesday without rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr., who's dealing with a hamstring injury. Defensive end Dominique Robinson (knee) was a limited participant.
The 49ers worked without star tight end George Kittle (groin) on Wednesday, coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters in San Francisco.
Kickoff between the Bears and 49ers is scheduled for Sunday at noon CT from Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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