LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- As the Bears work through the final days of their offseason program, their offensive line depth is already being tested.
Veteran guard Dakota Dozier, who was signed to a one-year deal in March, was carted off the practice field Tuesday with an apparent leg injury. Cody Whitehair, who's projected as the left guard starter, was excused from practice Wednesday for “a very good reason,” coach Matt Eberflus said.
Despite having two voids to fill at guard, the Bears didn't move second-year offensive tackle Teven Jenkins into either spot. He has continued practicing at right tackle with Chicago’s second-team offensive line. It’s part of the new coaching staff's continued evaluation to identify the best starting offensive line configuration, which currently features rookie Braxton Jones at left tackle and second-year pro Larry Borom at right tackle.
Eberflus didn’t rule out the possibility of Jenkins filling a spot at guard, a matter that he indicated would be discussed Thursday when his coaching staff meets with Bears general manager Ryan Poles and members of the front office.
The Bears will use that meeting to evaluate potential position changes, which could include Jenkins.
“There could be switches after this segment of the offseason, leading into training camp,” Eberflus said. “We’re taking it day by day.”
Jenkins played in just six games as a rookie in 2021 after undergoing back surgery during training camp in August. He was activated off injured reserve in early December and focused on working at left tackle under the Bears’ previous regime.
After entering this offseason healthy, Jenkins committed himself to a healthier diet and dropped 20 pounds, thanks in part to Pilates. He's now 325 pounds and has expressed a willingness to play wherever he's needed.
"It’s more about where can I be the best for the team," Jenkins said in May.
A second-round pick of the Bears in 2021, Jenkins seems to be lacking favor from Chicago’s new regime. He shifted to right tackle with the first-team offense during OTAs, then last week was moved to the second-string offensive line as part of a change for that group.
Borom moved back to right tackle, where he primarily played over the course of 10 games as a rookie last season. A fifth-round pick of the Bears in April, Jones is currently getting the opportunity at left tackle.
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After Dozier’s apparent injury, the Bears must re-evaluate their competitions on the offensive line. Rookies Zachary Thomas, Doug Kramer and Ja’Tyre Carter each saw opportunities during practice Wednesday with the starting offense.
The Bears don’t anticipate finalizing a starting offensive line until training camp and have prioritized the offseason program for evaluations.
“Right now, it’s all about us developing,” Bears quarterback Justin Fields said. “Us learning the system and us getting better each and every day.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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