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Latest Bears Injury News Could End Polarizing Player's Time in Chicago

By Isaiah De Los Santos

Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images / Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
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The Chicago Bears' dumpster fire of a 2024 season will mercifully come to an end this weekend, allowing the team and its fans to finally move forward following numerous disappointments this campaign.

However, first up is the finale on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, who are trying to get their preferred seed for the playoffs. This offers Chicago the chance to end the year on a little bit of a high note if it can play spoiler to its hated rival.

That being said, the Bears will likely have to do that at less than full strength considering Wednesday's injury report -- which includes one player who's struggled to stay healthy throughout his career.

Offensive lineman Teven Jenkins was listed as a DNP on the first injury report to begin Week 18 due to his lingering calf issue. This ailment prevented him from suiting up in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks, and now it's putting his final game of the year in jeopardy.

Jenkins actually missed the first matchup against Green Bay as well, though that was with an ankle injury. And to his credit, Jenkins has mostly stayed off of the inactive list throughout the 2024 campaign, missing only two total games over 17 contests. His 14 appearances this year already mark a career-high, surpassing his marks of 13 in 2022, 12 in 2023, and six as a rookie.

Of course, Jenkins' penchant for missing time has put his future with this squad up in the air. He is a force when on the field and at 100%, but Chicago simply can't rely on him to be available at that level without fail. As a result, the Bears may be forced to move on from a talented lineman because that investment could turn sour very quickly if his injury troubles continue.

There may have been hope within Chicago that Jenkins could return after making strides on the health front this season, but ending the year with possibly two straight absences is a harsh reminder of how quickly the former second-round's pick status can change.

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