The Chicago Bears are bracing to be without left guard Teven Jenkins (leg) for the start of the 2023 regular season due to a leg injury that he suffered earlier in training camp, according to sources. Jenkins took part in joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts last week but didn't suit up for the second preseason contest on Saturday against the Colts. The former second-round pick in 2021 out of Oklahoma State has played in only 19 games (13 starts) in his first two NFL seasons due to injuries. The 25-year-old will now miss more time to begin the 2023 campaign. In Jenkins' absence, Alex Leatherwood and Ja'Tyre Carter will battle for playing time at left guard in Chicago.
Chicago Bears offensive guard Teven Jenkins, who went from a college right tackle to the Bears' left tackle to right guard last year, is now the team's starting left guard after Nate Davis was signed this offseason to play right guard. "Just using your hands and where they aim and where to hit," Jenkins said. "A big thing for me right now is my pass protection. That's the thing. I'm trying to get better at it. And this big break that's coming up right here, that's exactly what I'm going to be working on the whole time." The 25-year-old is also doing pilates for his spine and his core after battling multiple back injuries in his first two NFL seasons. Jenkins has played in 19 games (13 starts) in 2021 and 2022 after being taken in the second round in 2021.
The Chicago Bears have received calls and have held trade talks centered around offensive tackle Teven Jenkins, according to sources. The former second-round pick is drawing trade interest during training camp based on his potential. Jenkins got a late start to his rookie season in 2021 due to an injury, and he wound up playing in only six games, starting two at left tackle. The Bears have been working the 24-year-old in as a second-team right tackle so far in training camp, so it would make sense to move him if they can get a late-round draft pick in return.
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy said that rookie offensive tackle Teven Jenkins (back) and safety Deon Bush (quadriceps) returned to practice on Monday, opening their 21-day window to be activated from Injured Reserve. Jenkins had back surgery in August and has been on IR all season, so he's likely need to need most of those 21 days before returning. The rookie fifth-rounder hasn't worn pads or practiced in almost a full year after opting out of his final college season due to COVID-19. The Bears invested a lot in Jenkins, but it's unclear if he'll get a shot at left tackle to protect rookie quarterback Justin Fields' blind side before the 2021 season is over. Veteran Jason Peters has been serviceable with Jenkins out and has started all nine games for Chicago in what might be his final season.
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy said that second-round left tackle Teven Jenkins (back) is undergoing back surgery on Wednesday, but "the goal is to get him back this season." The Bears are eyeing a November return for Jenkins, but it's a blow to Chicago's offensive line nevertheless, as the rookie was projected to start at left tackle to begin the 2021 regular season. Chicago signed 39-year-old veteran Jason Peters earlier this week, and he figures to compete with Elijah Wilkinson for the starting left tackle spot with Jenkins now out. They'll likely be protecting quarterback Andy Dalton's blind side in Week 1, but rookie Justin Fields could be given a chance sooner than later in 2021 if the Red Rifle struggles out of the gates.
The Bears selected Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins with the 39th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. With Chicago having one of the worst lines in the league last season, the team will need all the help it can get to keep opposing defenses from smothering Andy Dalton and David Montgomery. Jenkins can slide in at either side of the line, and his size and raw ability will be useful in helping Justin Fields remain upright moving ahead.
