The Chicago Bears are doing everything they can to find the right offensive line combination, as protecting quarterback Justin Fields is of utmost concern.
That’s resulted in some different combinations throughout the offseason program, including former second-round pick Teven Jenkins working at right tackle with the second team offense during the final week of organized team activities.
While head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters not to read too much into it, it’s also worth noting that Jenkins remained with the second-team offense when the Bears kicked off mandatory minicamp.
Fifth-round rookie Braxton Jones, who worked at left tackle with the starters during the final week of OTAs, was back with the first team at the start of minicamp. Larry Borom worked at right tackle with the starters.
The Bears' first-team offensive tackles remained the same today for the start of mandatory minicamp: Braxton Jones and Larry Borom.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) June 14, 2022
Here’s what the starting offensive line looked like on Tuesday:
- LT Braxton Jones
- LG Cody Whitehair
- C Lucas Patrick
- RG Sam Mustipher
- RT Larry Borom
Eberflus explained that the alignment with Jones at left tackle and Borom at right tackle will continue through the entirety of minicamp. Then the coaches will determine whether to go back to Jenkins with the starters.
Eberflus noted that “all combinations are open” along the offensive line in response to a question about Jenkins or Borom potentially moving to right guard. Following an injury to Dakota Dozier, who was competing with Sam Mustipher at right guard, that seems a good possibility more than ever.
