It’s been a bad few weeks for the Chicago Bears for a number of reasons, but there was finally some good news to come out of Halas Hall on Monday. According to Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, the team has designated guard Teven Jenkins to return to practice this week.
The #Bears have designated G Teven Jenkins to return to practice after he began the season on Injured Reserve. Some potential OL help on the way.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2023
Jenkins has been out for the last month and a half due to a lower leg injury suffered during training camp. He went on injured reserve and missed the first four games, but now he is ready to come back and give the line reinforcements after a rough start to the season. Jenkins is set to play a new position for the third time in three years, having moved over to left guard this offseason following the signing of veteran guard Nate Davis. Previously, he played right guard in 2022 and left tackle in 2021.
The Bears have a short week, with a game against the Washington Commanders coming up on Thursday, so it’s unclear if Jenkins will be activated off injured reserve to play in the game. There is a 21-day window to to put him back on the active roster. If and when that happens, he’ll slot in as the left guard and likely push Cody Whitehair back to center, with Lucas Patrick heading to the bench. Both players have struggled at various points this season, making Jenkins’ return that much more impactful.