On a day when I thought finding good news would be like finding a needle in a haystack, I’m happy to report on a positive development.
Teven Jenkins, the Bears’ left lineman, underwent successful back surgery, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who is reporting from Chicago.
And in this video sample, he explains what that news means: From @NFLTotalAccess: #Bears LT Teven Jenkins underwent successful back surgery today, putting him on the shelf permanently.
What that implies pic.twitter.com/Y65CkgwZwW — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 18, 2021 Being immersed in Chicago and having access to General Manager Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy allows Rapoport to provide some additional insight and perspective that comes with equal parts lucky timing and proximity.
To begin with, the background information on Jenkins’ back troubles, which the team was aware of throughout the pre-draft process.
Second, it’s crucial to note that these difficulties aren’t always those that arose prior to the draft.
Finally, the opinion that surgery today will “fully resolve this condition.” Overall, this is a favorable step in Jenkins’ case.
And after a day like today, I’ll take it.
Jenkins will be out indefinitely, with Jason Peters, a 39-year-old nine-time Pro Bowler, in line to take over and keep the team together in the short term.
Rapoport, on the other hand, is hedging his bets.
It’s worth noting because Rapoport is (1) reporting from Chicago and (2) mentions his conversations with Nagy and Pace regarding the situation.
To put it another way, Rapoport’s suggestion of rookie Larry Borom and free agent Elijah Wilkinson as options isn’t a fluke.
Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying.
Everything appears to be in place for Peters to start at left tackle.
That is the most logical course of action.
But it’s difficult not to get the impression from Rapoport that the team likes Borom as a player.
Especially when Rapoport stated that Borom weighed 40 pounds less than his playing weight at Missouri.
Perhaps the front office and coaching staff see Borom as a long-term sleeper candidate for the job.
That may be useful if Jenkins is unable to give it his all as quickly as the club anticipates.
Rapoport doesn’t offer any lyrical reminiscences about Wilkinson.
Yet, it’s possible that putting it out there that he’s a starting option has piqued the interest of two depth alternatives.
Mind you, I wouldn’t call this insignificant.
There’s always something to be gained by dangling the carrot.
It’s beneficial to have options.
Publicly expressing confidence in internal depth possibilities (and garnering them repetitions) could also be beneficial.
Because it’d be wonderful to have some viable alternatives in case things don’t work out with Peters.
Keep in mind that the 39-year-old hasn’t played a full 16-game season since 2018.
So asking a guy who hasn’t been involved in organized team football practices this summer for a complete 17-game season is overwhelming.
Even if things with Peters go well, we’re still concerned about Germain Ifedis’ position.
With a hip flexor issue, Chicago’s starting right tackle is still on the PUP List.
Finally, the Bears find themselves in an unpleasant scenario.
Still, I suppose things could be a lot worse.
