There are plenty of questions heading into the Bears’ season opener against the 49ers, especially when it comes to the offensive line.
Which is nothing new for this team, as offensive line has been a popular topic of discussion dating back to the spring. But with Lucas Patrick returning to practice after breaking his right thumb, it certainly has implications on the offensive line.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune told The Mully and Haugh Show on 670 the Score that Patrick hasn’t snapped the ball in practice because of his surgically repaired right thumb. Biggs expects Sam Mustipher to get the nod at center against the 49ers.
So what does that mean for Patrick, who head coach Matt Eberflus said would be available at center or guard.
Earlier this week, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported that Patrick was taking reps at right guard with Teven Jenkins behind him. It was an indication that Jenkins might not get the start in Sunday’s opener.
But Biggs believes it’ll still be Jenkins at right guard against the 49ers, which would mean Patrick would be available, should Chicago need him.
On the @mullyhaugh show, @BradBiggs just reported that Lucas Patrick hasn’t snapped the ball at all in practice due to his surgically repaired right thumb, so he expects Sam Mustipher to start at center, and he has a hunch the #Bears keep Teven Jenkins at right guard this Sunday.
— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) September 9, 2022
While Patrick is someone you want on your offensive line, it wouldn’t help with the established continuity across the offensive line, particularly with Jenkins, who recently found new life at right guard.
When Patrick is able to snap the ball again, he’ll settle right into that center job. But until then, Jenkins should be the right guard and Patrick available should they need him.
But, at this point, we still don’t know what the Bears will ultimately do. We’ll have to wait for some type of confirmation, be it head coach Matt Eberflus or when the Bears actually take the field on Sunday.
