Projecting the Chicago Bears 53-man roster before the final preseason game
By Todd Welter
3 roster spots: Cole Kmet, Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis
Practice squad: Stephen Carlson
Good thing the Chicago Bears brought in Marcedes Lewis. The veteran is no longer a pass-catching threat, but he is still one of the best blocking tight ends in the game.
The team will need him early to help provide blocking support to Jones and Wright. Cole Kmet’s receiving yards might be low now because he also might have to help in pass blocking to start the season.
Robert Tonyan is here to catch passes. Jenkins’ injury might give Steph Carlson a shot to make the 53-man, but he has not shown enough that he can be a viable blocker. Although, he is a prime practice squad candidate.
10 roster spots: Braxton Jones, Ja’Tyre Carter, Cody Whitehair, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright, Teven Jenkins (projected to start the season injured, but once healthy will be the starter), Lucas Patrick, Doug Kramer, Alex Leatherwood, Larry Borom
Practice squad: Dieter Eiselen, Kellen Diesch, Aviante Collins
It has not been a good week of health for the Chicago Bears offensive line. First, Teven Jenkins is reported to have strained both calf muscles which will require him to miss some time to start the season. Jenkins was the Chicago Bears’ best offensive lineman last year. The problem is he struggles to stay on the field.
Then Darnell Wright left Tuesday’s practice with an ankle injury.
State of the Bears' OL:
— Josh Schrock (@Schrock_And_Awe) August 22, 2023
Braxton Jones -- Healthy
Teven Jenkins -- Week-to-week
Cody Whitehair -- right-hand injury, moved to left guard with Jenkins out
Lucas Patrick -- Ramping up, limited in practice
Nate Davis -- Missed a couple weeks, back but ramping up
Darnell Wright --…
The depth of this unit will be tested and that is why 10 players will probably be carried to start the season.
Alex Leatherwood is listed behind Jenkins on the depth chart, but Ja’Tyre Carter has had the better camp. The Bears are adamant they are going to play their best five linemen.
If we're picking between Alex Leatherwood and Ja'Tyre Carter to start at LG in place of Teven Jenkins.
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 21, 2023
I'm going Carter. He's earned it.
21 days before Bears/Packers to build some continuity with this Offensive Line, and it's time to play the starters this Saturday, too.
Also, Leatherwood has not been impressive, but he should make the roster given the team’s need for depth. He can play both guard and tackle. Although it remains to be seen if he can play those positions well.
Positional versatility is also why Lucas Patrick makes the team even though he has missed a good amount of camp with an injury. He can play guard and center.
Doug Kramer has had a good camp and preseason. Last year’s sixth-round pick has done enough that he should make the team. Although, he could be destined for the practice squad if Wright is out for a significant amount of time.
Do not be surprised to see the team experiment with Kramer or Patrick at center with the first team and Cody Whitehair shifts back to left guard. Oh wait, they already have.
One player who has missed significant practice time did return today - OL Lucas Patrick. He was playing center with Cody Whitehair back at the left guard spot he's manned in recent seasons.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 21, 2023
Hopefully, Nate Davis has healed enough from the nagging injuries that have kept him from the majority of camp to get some reps against the Bills.
Dieter Eiselen seems to have a permanent spot on the practice squad. Kellen Diesch was on the practice squad last season and is quietly having a good camp. Aviante Collins had a rough game against the Titans but was better against the Colts. The three-year veteran might need to be on the practice squad just because the depth at tackle is thin.