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Injury-Prone Bear Now Likely to Miss Week 6 After Setback on Thursday

A critical starter on Chicago's offensive line will likely miss Sunday's contest with an injury.

By Joe Summers

Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus reacts during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus reacts during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Chicago Bears received a bad piece of injury news at Thursday's practice as starting left guard Teven Jenkins did not participate, creating significant concern about his availability against the Jaguars in Week 6.

Jenkins left the Week 5 win over the Panthers early and backup Bill Murray fared well in his place. That said, Jenkins is recognized as one of the best young interior offensive linemen in the NFL and an extended absence will hurt a Bears offense that's already struggled.

Chicago took a major step forward last week in a 26-point win, yet the team needs a healthy Jenkins to reach its full potential.

Bears LG Teven Jenkins Misses Thursday's Practice With Injury

It's a discouraging sign that he was a limited participant on Wednesday yet downgraded for Thursday. Jenkins apparently suffered some sort of setback. The Bears' bye week comes in Week 7, so it's probable they'll sit him on Sunday to give him extra time to heal.

With the game being in London and an early start time, there are already additional factors that make it difficult for players to handle injuries in a typical fashion. Thursday was Chicago's last full practice of the week. Usually, missing the final practice indicates you won't play.

To Murray's credit, he appears capable of strong play in spurts. He didn't allow a single pressure in 37 snaps on Sunday as Pro Football Focus gave him the second-highest grade on the team. Jenkins had the highest though, so the offense is still better off in the long run with the 2021 second-round pick in the lineup.

Luckily for the Bears, the 1-4 Jaguars shouldn't represent too difficult of a challenge. Jenkins' injury almost comes at a fortuitous time, as Chicago will have tougher games down the stretch for which his availability will be more important.

As it stands, the Bears are narrow 1.5-point favorites with -126 moneyline odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. Jenkins probably won't be available, yet Chicago still has every opportunity to improve to 4-2 heading into the Week 7 bye.

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