Chicago Bears: Could injuries be a blessing in disguise?

Could the Chicago Bears benefit from injuries to the offensive line?

The Chicago Bears head into their matchup this afternoon with the New Orleans Saints as a pretty banged-up unit. They did, however, get some good news as it appears Allen Robinson, Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson, and Cordarrelle Patterson will all play despite being nicked up.

However, one area where they did not get good news is on the offensive line. Cody Whitehair, whose injury was not believed to be serious or long term, will nevertheless keep him out of this week’s game.

That is a scary proposition, especially considering how bad the offensive line has performed up to this point. They are already without starting guard James Daniels who was lost for the season and are starting converted defensive lineman Rashaad Coward in his place.

Now, undrafted free agent Sam Mustipher, the former University of Notre Dame product will take over at center. It may say something about the poor state of the offensive line that Bears fans are clamoring to see un undrafted free agent on the line, but it certainly says a lot about how bad of a job Ryan Pace has done addressing the position.

In any event, is it possible this move may be good for the Bears in the long run? Let’s say Mustipher plays well today at the center position and proves he is more than capable in that role. While it may be a longshot, if he’s able to do so, it could give the coaching staff confidence to leave him in the spot once Whitehair returns. This would allow them to return Whitehair to his more natural position of guard and would enable them to put Coward back in a reserve role.

Moreover, next season when Daniels is healthy, they will have a solid interior line of Mustipher, Daniels, and Whitehair, which will be essential as upgrades on the edges at both tackle positions will be a must.

So Bears fans will be watching closely today to see if maybe the Bears could “luck into” an improved offensive line. If Mustipher can hold up, it might be the best thing for the Bears in the future.