(670 The Score) Bears guard Nate Davis has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, and the latest proof came Sunday.
Davis was made a healthy scratch ahead of kickoff between the Bears and Jaguars in London. It's a significant step given that Davis is playing in the second season of a three-year, $30-million contract.
Davis, 28, was relegated to a bench role in September after starting the first two games of the season. That move initially came as he dealt with a groin injury. However, once Davis was deemed healthy and removed from the injury report, he remained in a reserve role.
The Bears have become increasingly frustrated with Davis, a marquee free-agent pickup in 2023. He started 11 games last season but missed six contests due to a knee injury. Davis has also consistently missed practices and been unavailable during parts of the offseason program.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus issued a message in early August after Davis had an injury issue.
“People say you can’t lose a job because of injury,” Eberflus said then. “I don’t think that’s true. I think if the guy that’s playing there gives our team a good look and a good benefit for him being in that position, then it’s a competition.”
Perhaps Davis' last chance has already passed.
The Bears turned to veteran Matt Pryor at right guard in place of Davis on Sunday. When left guard Teven Jenkins exited the Bears' win against the Panthers this past Sunday due to an ankle injury, Chicago used Bill Murray in his place rather than Davis.
It's growing more and more apparent that Davis is likely to be released next offseason, after the majority of his $19.5 million guaranteed is paid in full. But given how this situation has escalated with Davis, the Bears might be motivated to part ways this season.
By making him inactive, the Bears have issued one more message to Davis — the last resort at their disposal before moving on entirely.
Bears inactives
The Bears' other inactives Sunday are safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion), cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (calf), cornerback Terell Smith (hip), defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin), pass rusher Dominique Robinson and receiver Velus Jones Jr.
With Brisker unable to make the trip to London this week while recovering from his concussion, the Bears turned to Elijah Hicks at safety. Stevenson suffered his groin injury during practice Thursday. Jaylon Jones is expected to start in his place.
Kickoff between the Bears (3-2) and Jaguars (1-4) comes at 8:30 a.m. CT on Sunday.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.