The Chicago Bears are gearing up for their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, where all eyes will be on the offense.
The offensive line has been a hot topic of conversation all offseason, but especially this week with questions about Lucas Patrick’s availability. Patrick returned to practice this week after missing most of the summer with a broken right thumb.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said Patrick is an option at both center and guard. But given Patrick hasn’t snapped a ball all week in practice, he was an obvious option at guard.
There were questions about how Patrick’s return would impact the current offensive line. Would Teven Jenkins, who’s found a new home at right guard, be forced to a reserve role temporarily? That doesn’t appear to be the case.
According to the media in attendance during warmups, it looks like Patrick will serve in a reserve role at guard during today’s game against the 49ers.
This is what Chicago’s offensive line will look like against San Francisco: Braxton Jones (LT), Cody Whitehair (LG), Sam Mustipher (C), Teven Jenkins (RG), Larry Borom (RT).
Lucas Patrick has a large cast on his right hand but is not working with the Bears' starting offensive line in pregame warmups. The apparent starting five:
LT: Braxton Jones
LG: Cody Whitehair
C: Sam Mustipher
RG: Teven Jenkins
RT: Larry Borom— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) September 11, 2022
When Patrick is able to snap the ball, he’ll replace Mustipher as the team’s starting center. But for now, it appears that Patrick will be available in an emergency role at guard.
