It was impossible not to feel immense sympathy for Hroniss Grasu last year. The former third round pick in 2015 looked like he’d made a home at center for the Bears. He was the unquestioned starter going into 2016. Then everything came crashing down. During a routine blocking drill at Family Fest in Soldier Field, an awkward foot plant caused him to tear the ACL in his knee.
Grasu was done for the season. Forced to adjust, the Bears moved rookie Cody Whitehair to center. Then, through an act of good fortune they were able to sign Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton. Just like that the Bears interior offensive line was even better than before. Whitehair became a stud at center that season and most view him as a rising star.
This was an example of how cold and even cruel the football business can be at times. One unfortunate twist of the leg robbed Grasu of his NFL dream. Coming into 2017 he was slated as a backup, though some even felt his limited versatility might get him cut from the team. Then, in an incredible twist of irony, everything changed.
Hroniss Grasu granted reprieve thanks to injuries
In the space of 24 hours not only is Grasu’s standing on the roster far more secure than before, he’s also in line to regain his job as the Bears’ starting center. No that’s not a joke. The loss of primary backup Eric Kush to a torn hamstring made it possible. Kush had played well last year. He was standing in for Kyle Long at left guard during training camp. That all changed when his leg gave out.
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Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune explains why this is such a fortunate development for Grasu.
“Kush had been filling in for Long at left guard with the first-unit offense. Long has been limited since training camp began as he continues working back from ankle surgery. The timeline for his return to full strength remains cloudy. And the Bears have made no promises that Long will be cleared to play in Week 1. So on Monday, Cody Whitehair spent some time at left guard with Hroniss Grasu handling center duties with the first-unit offense.
Whitehair started all 16 games at center a year ago. But he moved into that role from guard only after Grasu tore his right anterior cruciate ligament during last year’s Family Fest practice at Soldier Field.
In a notable twist, due to Kush’s injury, Grasu may now be in position to reclaim a starting role at center with Whitehair potentially moving back to play left guard.”
The loss of Kush and uncertainty of Long makes it possible that Grasu may get back on the field. For how long is the guess of anybody. One would assume the Bears haven’t changed plans for Long, Whitehair and Sitton to be the interior trio for 2017. At the same time this is a great opportunity for Grasu. He has a chance to rebuild his credibility as a starter in the league. Great for him and also for the Bears.
Having two centers who can start instead of one is never a bad thing.
