The Chicago Bears offensive line was already in a bad way coming into this week. They’d lost James Daniels to a torn pec. Cody Whitehair is still nursing a bad calf. Then Bobby Massie injured his knee against New Orleans. Expectations are he could miss up to a month of action. One would think things couldn’t possibly get any worse.
This is 2020 though and it’s a year that built itself on making things worse. According to Ian Rapoport, backup tackle Jason Spriggs tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to that, right guard Germain Ifedi was deemed a high-risk close contact to him. That means both have to go on the Reserve/COVID list with the Bears set to play the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Ifedi may still have a chance to play Sunday but it’s possible this team could be down to just one of their original five starters from opening day up front. An unbelievable run of bad luck for an offense that is already struggling. One can imagine GM Ryan Pace will be busy scouring the veteran market searching for emergency help.
There may also be some jumbling along the starting lineup to see if they can put a passable group together.
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#Bears OT Jason Spriggs tested positive for COVID-19, source said. In addition, G Germain Ifedi was determined to be a high-risk close contact, and while he’ll go on the list, he does have a chance to be back and play on Sunday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2020
Chicago Bears don’t have a lot of options
Probably the best offensive tackle available is veteran Cordy Glenn. He enjoyed some success in Buffalo and Cincinnati but hasn’t found a home so far this year. Nobody is entirely sure why since he’s not reported to have opted out of playing. There are also some interior blockers they can look to like Josh Kline, Eric Kush, and Justin Britt.
With Spriggs out of commission, the most likely course of action is moving Rashaad Coward from left guard to right tackle. That was the original spot the former defensive lineman was training for last year. Before injuries forced him to move inside. That could mean Alex Bars would take over at left guard. Rejoining former Notre Dame teammate Sam Mustipher who is currently handling duties at center.
There is also a chance rookie 7th round pick Arlington Hambright could see action as well. The Bears probably never dreamed of playing him this early in his career but this season is unlike any other in history. Even if they do sign a veteran, the odds of him being ready by gameday are remote. Offensive line coach Juan Castillo will have to work some serious magic in order to find a combination that functions.
Keep in mind Nick Foles has been sacked nine times in the past two games.
The Bears have really struggled to protect him. Now they’re down two more blockers. Having a largely immobile quarterback behind an injury/illness-devastated front is often a recipe for disaster. One has to think they’ll be focused on running the football more than usual against Tennessee just to keep him as comfortable as possible.
If Nagy tries to throw the ball 40+ times in this game, the calls for his head will likely get louder than they’ve already been.
