LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears have used 19 different combinations to form their starting offensive line over the past two seasons. For the organization, it has been a constant challenge to identify the best five blockers and also keep them healthy.
A former offensive lineman himself, Bears general manager Ryan Poles has worked to solidify that unit – not just with five reliable starters but also with key reserves to step in. Entering the start of this regular season, Poles is pleased with the makeup of Chicago's offensive line.
“This is probably the best depth I’ve ever had,” Poles said. “I actually let one of the guys go on cutdowns and I was like, ‘Man, you did an excellent job. I wish we could keep you here.’ He said, ‘This is the deepest room I’ve ever been a part of.” So we have more versatility, more depth. Shoot, we have 10 guys, so I feel comfortable. Obviously, you want your starting five to be healthy and ready to go, but I feel more confident in the depth of our offensive line than I ever have before.”
The Bears are expected to open the season with Braxton Jones at left tackle, Teven Jenkins at left guard, Coleman Shelton at center, Nate Davis at right guard and Darnell Wright at right tackle.
Veteran Ryan Bates, who was acquired in a trade with the Bills back in March, is the Bears’ top interior reserve after missing much of training camp with a groin injury. Bates returned to practice Thursday and is ramping back up to health. Matt Pryor is expected to serve as the swing tackle.
The Bears also have three developing players in center Doug Kramer, guard Bill Murray and rookie tackle Kiran Amegadjie to serve as depth.
Throughout training camp, the Bears leaned on their depth on the offensive line. Davis and Bates each missed multiple weeks with groin injuries, Jones was sidelined for the early portion of camp and Wright also dealt with an injury.
Every team wants to have a secure offensive line, but it’s especially important for the Bears as they build their system around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Poles believes the Bears are well-positioned on the offensive line as they make plans – and contingency plans – for this season.
“That group has the ability to be special as the season goes along,” Poles said. “And the beautiful thing is all those guys strain. And you can see that in the preseason too just trying to keep Caleb clean. It’s important to them, and it’s a really strong-knit group.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.