Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins could be on the verge of a position change. The team returned to the practice field at Halas Hall on Monday morning following their 19-14 preseason victory against the Kansas City Chiefs and are already making changes to their lineup based on what they saw during the game.
One of the more notable changes was moving Jenkins inside from right tackle to right guard, the first time he’s taken reps at that position since being drafted in the second round last year. Jenkins was still working with the reserves, however, just as he has since coming back to practice following his injury over a week ago.
After practice, Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy met with the media and shared why he believes Jenkins could be a good fit at guard, even though they’re still trying him out at the position. “The guards get stressed mentally more than the tackles in this system…that’s the strength of his game…we want to try that and see what it looks like.” Getsy told reporters.
A move to guard might be exactly what both Jenkins and the Bears need. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy was demoted earlier in the offseason in favor of rookie Braxton Jones and fellow second-year tackle Larry Borom, then saw his chances at regaining a starting tackle spot dwindle even more when the Bears brought in veteran Riley Reiff as additional competition. Injuries and trade rumors followed shortly after and now Jenkins has been working primarily with the reserves at tackle until Monday. According to fans in attendance, he performed well after making the switch.
From the team’s perspective, they’ve struggled to solve the right guard position ever since the offseason began. General manager Ryan Poles missed out on restricted free agent Ryan Bates after the Buffalo Bills matched his offer sheet, then free agent acquisition Dakota Dozier was lost for the season during minicamp.
The Bears did wind up signing veteran Michael Schofield just as camp was beginning, but he hasn’t impressed in camp or the preseason yet. If Jenkins can acclimate to guard quickly, he might be their best option and could win the starting spot. His versatility was a selling point during the draft and like Getsy said, his strengths fit in with what they want to do on offense.
Jenkins moving to guard could mean his career gets revived in Chicago and would help solve the team’s woes at the position. It’s only been one practice but this could be a…
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