Protecting Caleb Williams has become the biggest concern for the Chicago Bears over the past few weeks. It was never good, but now injuries are eating away at what little stability they had. Left tackle Braxton Jones already missed last week with a concussion. He still hasn’t returned to practice. That left rookie Kiran Amegadjie to start last week against Minnesota, and it was a predictable disaster. There is no way it can worse, right? Per usual, the answer was of course it can.
The latest injury report revealed that left guard Teven Jenkins didn’t practice on Wednesday with a calf injury. Calf problems don’t usually dissipate quickly, meaning his status for the game against Detroit is now very much in doubt. If Jones also remains sidelined, the means the Bears would be without the entire left side of their offensive line. That is before you mention Ryan Bates, their primary backup guard, is also still out with a concussion.
The Chicago Bears need to seriously consider sitting Caleb.
Yes, it is acknowledged he can use all the experience possible to continue developing. However, what use is development if he’s constantly running for his life? He’s already been sacked 58 times this season, which is the most of any quarterback in franchise history. The Chicago Bears don’t gain anything by trotting him out there on Sunday. They’re eliminated from the playoffs. Everybody knows this coaching staff is getting fired. Just put in Tyson Bagent and give the kid a chance to rest and heal up. That isn’t likely to happen, which means interim coach Thomas Brown better get creative with his plans if both Jones and Jenkins are out. It could mean a run-heavy game plan with (hopefully) lots of help for Amegadjie or Larry Borom.
Teven, mend up and sign with the Steelers/Fields/Daniels next year. Such would be the best for you. You deserve to be a little selfish to protect your future. Poles disrespected you many times. Too bad Davis, Kiran, Kramer, and Claypool monies were not used for you.
“Obviously, you want your starting five to be healthy and ready to go, but I feel more confident in the depth of our offensive line than I ever have before.”
-Ryan Poles, local idiot
Something tells me that guys are just mailing it in. I bet if they were in playoff contention there would be more players available. When you don’t have anything to play for small injuries seem to hurt a lot worse.
It appears an atheist must teach the Children of the Corn here: sometimes you will “reap what you sow.”
If we are that thin on the OL it is probably best to start Bagent. Of course, Poles probably wont allow that. Because if Bagent comes in and has no problem getting the ball out in rhythm everyone will scream, “Caleb is a bust!”
People will forget that Caleb has been been coached not to take risks by this staff, and isn’t playing his natural game.
Still, it’s worth the risk if it avoids getting CW killed. Bagent gets the ball out faster, and can probably protect himself better at this point.