The Chicago Bears must find a new starting left tackle for their Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Brad Biggs with the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday night left guard Teven Jenkins sustained a leg injury that could put him out for up to six weeks.
The injury is unfortunate news for Jenkins and the Bears offense. Jenkins was hoping to have an injury-free season after being plagued with injuries during his first two NFL seasons. The Bears needed Jenkins, arguably their best offensive lineman when healthy, to be a staple in protecting quarterback Justin Fields this season.
Three backup options for the Chicago Bears at left guard
The Bears have several options to replace Jenkins this season–although the names of backups won’t be sexy to the fanbase. It’s possible the Bears could sign outside help. But here are three options on the Bears’ roster to replace Jenkins until he can return later in the regular season.
1. Alex Leatherwood
The Bears claimed Alex Leatherwood off of waivers last year. The former Las Vegas first-round pick has had a chance to learn the Bears’ offense in the previous year. He played in a few games for the Bears last season and seemed to improve from his time with the Raiders.
Leatherwood is listed as Jenkins’ backup at left guard on the depth chart. He will likely get the first look from the coaching staff to replace Jenkins early in the season.
Leatherwood has had mixed performances in the preseason. Leatherwood struggled against the Indianapolis Colts. Pro Football Focus gave him a 55.1 grade for his play against the Colts.
@ImBearingDown posted to Twitter every snap Leatherwood played against the Colts Saturday night. Leatherwood struggled in pass protection, especially when he needed to reach to make a block.
Every snap Alex Leatherwood played in the #Bears second preseason game. He is next up on the depth chart after Teven Jenkins at LG. pic.twitter.com/gRefsecKDE
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) August 21, 2023
Leatherwood played better in the Bears’ first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. PFF gave him an 86.4 grade for pass-blocking against the Titans. Leatherwood needs to play consistently in order to win the starting job for Week 1.
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