The Chicago Bears returned to the practice field on a blistering summer day to begin their three-day mandatory minicamp. Unfortunately, the team may have already suffered a serious injury to one of their potential starters on the offensive line.
Offensive guard Dakota Dozier was carted off the field during Tuesday’s practice after suffering an apparent leg injury, according to various members of the Bears media.
Rough day for the #Bears passing offense at minicamp. Jaylon Johnson jumped a route in a 2-minute period for a pick 6 off Justin Fields.
OL Dakota Dozier, who has spent some time with starters at right guard this spring, was taken by cart to the locker room late in practice.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) June 14, 2022
Dozier was signed this offseason to a one-year deal to compete for a starting spot on the offensive line. He was playing with the second-string offense at left guard when the injury occurred, according to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
-1st team OL today: Jones-Whitehair-Patrick-Mustipher-Borom
-Dakota Dozier was playing at left guard w/the 2s at the time he went down with injury. It happened towards the end of the play.— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) June 14, 2022
The 31-year old veteran was drafted by the New York Jets in 2014, where he spent the first five years of his career as a reserve lineman. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 and became a starter at left guard in 2020, starting in all 16 games for the Bears’ division rival. He played in just six games in 2021.
Dozier’s injury has yet to be diagnosed. But seeing as he was carted off the field, it could be a serious blow for the Bears as they work to retool their offensive line. Stay tuned to Bears Wire for more information as it becomes available.
