Tag: Alex Bars

5 things to know about new Bears OL Germain Ifedi

The Bears finally addressed OL with the free-agent signing of former 1st-round pick Germain Ifredi. Get to know Chicago’s newest player.

Heading into the offseason, the Bears knew that offensive line was a major concern that needed to be addressed. Which is why it was a surprise that Chicago didn’t make any moves during the early wave of free agency.

The Bears finally addressed offensive line with the free-agent signing of former first-round draft pick Germain Ifredi. Chicago essentially signed Ifredi to a one-year prove it deal.

And, considering Ifredi’s struggles in Seattle, he certainly has a lot to prove if he wants a future in Chicago.

Here are five things to know about the Bears newest offensive lineman:

1. Ifedi is another first-round bust signed by Bears

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Pace hasn’t found much luck with his own first-round selections (see: Kevin White, Leonard Floyd, Mitchell Trubisky). So, instead, he’s turning to other team’s failed first-round picks in hopes that they’ll find new life in Chicago.

Ifedi is the latest first-round selection that didn’t earn a second contract from his original team, joining the likes of new cornerback Artie Burns and outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo.

Ifedi was selected by the Seahawks with the 31st selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, and he’s been one of the more polarizing guys on the roster. After Seattle declined to pick up his fifth-year option ahead of the 2019 season, everyone knew the writing was on the wall in regards to his future with the Seahawks.

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Germain Ifedi signing isn’t Bears’ answer for offensive line help

The Bears signed former Seahawks OL Germain Ifedi, but is he really the answer for Chicago’s offensive line woes?

Heading into the offseason, the offensive line was such a huge need for the Chicago Bears and general manager Ryan Pace knew it had to be addressed.

On Wednesday, Pace went out and signed former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman, Germain Ifedi. The move wasn’t what some Bears fans were expecting, that’s for sure.

Ifedi, a former first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, is a versatile type player because he’s played both right guard and tackle.

According to PFF, Ifedi had 13 penalties in 2019 — tied for fifth in the NFL — on 1,107 snaps played. The Bears are now stuck with two offensive linemen who commit an egregious amount of penalties, as Charles Leno Jr. is known for the exact same thing.

With Kyle Long’s retirement, the Bears are in need of a right guard, but I just don’t think signing Ifedi was the right move.

Now that Ifedi will possibly be playing right guard, it is likely that the Bears won’t draft a guard and will focus on bringing in a tackle in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Personally, I don’t like this move at all. I think it would’ve been a better move to let Alex Bars play right guard to start the season.

What do you think? Do you like the Ifedi move? Do you hate it?

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Ohio State OL Jonah Jackson dubbed perfect fit for Bears in 2020 NFL Draft

The Bears have no shortage of needs heading into the NFL Draft. But which prospect would be the best fit for Chicago?

Following a disappointing season on offense, the Bears have several positions they need to address this offseason. Free agency begins in less than two weeks, but they’ll also have the NFL Draft to find some young talent to contribute.

The Bears are expected to target a number of positions of need in the draft, including tight end, offensive line, quarterback, edge rusher and defensive back.

But which prospect is the best fit for Chicago? Pro Football Focus believes that’s Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson.

Thanks to the Khalil Mack trade, the Bears are once again without a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but they do have two second-round selections. Jackson makes sense as one of those picks to fill in at right guard, which was a spot manned by Rashaad Coward and his 51.7 overall grade last season. The offensive line as a whole was one of the bigger disappointments of the Bears’ season, as they ended the year ranked 25th in PFF’s final offensive line rankings. Adding Jackson in the second round would be a step in the right direction for that unit.

Jackson was PFF’s No. 2 interior offensive lineman and their 38th-ranked player overall. More than that, it’s his versatility that makes him a valuable commodity.

He’s performed well at both right guard (2018) and left guard (2019).  Jackson is also one of the better pass blockers, as he’s put up a pass-protection grade of 84.4 since 2018.

When it comes to Chicago’s offensive line, they’re essentially locked up for next season, minus a vacant right guard spot. Rashaad Coward, who filled in for the injured Kyle Long last season, or Alex Bars could fill that role. But the Bears could also find their guy in the draft.

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5 candidates to replace Kyle Long at right guard

The Bears will have a new starting right guard in 2020 following Kyle Long’s announcement he’s stepping away the NFL. Who could replace him?

For the last seven years, the Bears have entered the offseason with no question about who their right guard would be come the start of the season.

But following Kyle Long’s announcement that he will be stepping away from the Bears and the NFL, the Bears will need to fill that spot at right guard on an offensive line that will be under new management in Juan Castillo, who was hired to replace Harry Hiestand as offensive line coach.

There are different routes the Bears could turn to replace Long — including in-house, free agency or even the NFL Draft.

Here are five candidates that could take over for Long at right guard in 2020:

1. Alex Bars

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Under contract, Chicago Bears

The popular candidate to replace Long at right guard is rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars, who the Bears fought hard to keep in Chicago. The Bears paid Bars more money to remain on their practice squad — rather than him choosing to join the Patriots active roster.

Bars was promoted to the active roster on Oct. 15, although he didn’t get any significant reps in the final half of the season. Still, the Bears clearly have plans for Bars, and you’d have to believe it involves giving him a chance to win the starting right guard job in training camp.

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Bears Week 17 Inactives: Rashaad Coward, Bobby Massie out vs. Vikings

The Bears have released their list of inactives ahead of today’s season finale against the Vikings, and there are no real surprises.

The Chicago Bears have released their list of inactives ahead of today’s season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

There aren’t any real surprises. Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and nose tackle Eddie Goldman were previously ruled out, as was wide receiver Taylor Gabriel.

But cornerback Prince Amukamara, who was questionable ahead of today’s game, is officially active. Amukamara’s future in Chicago could be in question, but he figures to once again split reps with second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver, who could take his job next year.

Right guard Rashaad Coward was downgraded to out Saturday while right tackle Bobby Massie has been ruled out. With Coward and Massie both out, the Bears could get a good look at rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars, who figures to line up at right guard if he gets playing time. If not, Ted Larsen will get the start at right guard for the injured Coward.

Here’s a look at the full list of Bears inactives:

It was previously reported that the Vikings were expected to rest some of their starters, including quarterback Kirk Cousins. While Cousins is active, he figures to serve as Sean Mannion’s backup today.

The Bears and Vikings kick things off at noon CT on FOX.

With Rashaad Coward ruled out, could we see Alex Bars vs. Vikings?

With Bears OL Rashaad Coward ruled out, rookie OL Alex Bars could get some significant playing time against the Vikings.

The Bears’ season finale could provide some opportunities to get a look at some of the younger players.

Now that the Bears have ruled out right guard Rashaad Coward for Sunday’s game against the Vikings, it could open the door for rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars to see some significant playing action.

Given that there’s nothing left for the Bears to play for other than pride, this season finale provides an opportunity for some younger guys to get some valuable reps headed into the offseason.

Bars is a player that the Bears have been particularly high on since signing him as an undrafted free agent this offseason, and they signed him to their practice squad.

When the Patriots came knocking — wanting to sign Bars to their active roster — Bars declined the offer to remain on the Bears’ practice squad, where Chicago had paid him more money to remain with the team.

He definitely looks to be part of the Bears’ plans for the future, especially with right guard Kyle Long’s future in doubt beyond 2019. And perhaps we’ll see him get some significant playing time against Minnesota.

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Prince Amukamara questionable, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman out vs. Vikings

The Bears released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game vs. Vikings, and several starters are out or doubtful.

The Bears released their final injury report ahead of the game against the Vikings, where several starters are out or in doubt for Sunday.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (elbow) did not practice all week, and he’s been ruled out against Minnesota. Hicks finishes the 2019 season with five starts, after dealing with an elbow injury that landed him on injured reserve for eight weeks.

Nose tackle Eddie Goldman remains in concussion protocol after sustaining one in last week’s game against the Chiefs.

On the offensive line, Bobby Massie was limited in practice for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain against the Giants in Week 12. But Massie is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game, as is right guard Rashaad Coward, who suffered a knee injury last week against Kansas City. This could open the door for rookie Alex Bars to play at right guard in Chicago’s season finale.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara was limited for the second straight practice, and he is listed as questionable against the Vikings. Amukamara’s future in Chicago is cloudy, especially considering second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver has impressed in the short time he’s been on the field this season. If Amukamara can’t go, look for Toliver to get the start. Even if Amukamara plays, look for him to split reps with Toliver.

The Bears and Vikings kick things off at noon CT on FOX.

Bears Injury Report: Prince Amukamara limited, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman DNP Thursday

The Bears released their Thursday injury report, and once again Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman didn’t practice. Prince Amukamara was limited.

The Chicago Bears released their injury report following Thursday’s practice, and it was more of the same for the Bears following estimations from Wednesday.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (elbow) and nose tackle Eddie Goldman (concussion) did not practice Thursday. Considering the Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention and the severity of head injuries, both aren’t expected to play in Sunday’s season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

Then there’s cornerback Prince Amukamara, who was limited Thursday after being listed as a full participant on Wednesday as he nurses a pesky hamstring injury. The Bears would do well to also rest Amukamara and get another good look at second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver in a job that might be his come next season.

Right guard Rashaad Coward was once again limited on Thursday after suffering a knee injury against the Chiefs. Like with Amukamara, if Coward can’t go on Sunday, they’d do best to insert rookie Alex Bars into the starting lineup to get a look at him in live game action ahead of 2020, which is sure to bring some changes to the offensive line.

The Bears and Vikings kick things off at noon Sunday in Chicago’s season finale.

Bears Injury Report Wednesday Estimates: Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman DNP

The Bears didn’t practice on Wednesday, but they released an injury report estimate, where Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman didn’t practice.

While the Chicago Bears didn’t practice Wednesday, they released an injury report estimation heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, who didn’t play against the Kansas City Chiefs, was listed as “did not practice,” along with nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who suffered a concussion against the Chiefs that likely ends his season.

Right guard Rashaad Coward, who suffered a knee injury against Kansas City, was listed as limited. He was replaced by Ted Larsen in that game. But if Coward can’t go Sunday, it would be a good opportunity to see rookie Alex Bars in his first regular-season action.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara was listed on the injury report as he recovers from a hamstring injury. He was listed as a full participant, but he could wind up splitting reps with second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver in Chicago’s season finale.

The Bears will play the Vikings in their season finale Sunday at noon.

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Bears’ season finale should present opportunities for younger players

While the Bears are eliminated from playoff contention, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to play for in regards to the future.

The Chicago Bears won’t have anything to play for in their regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. They were eliminated from playoff contention two weeks ago, and they’re left playing for pride heading into an important offseason.

But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to play for in regards to the future. While Matt Nagy didn’t opt to give more of his young players an opportunity to get some valuable reps last Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, that’s exactly what could happen this week against the Vikings.

“Being able to go win the game is important to us,” Nagy said. “It does also, at the same time, present some opportunities … knowing kind of where they’re at and where we’re at. We’ll see where that takes us. I want to be smart about it. But at the same time if there is somebody we can get a chance to see, we want to be able to do that as well.”

Players like rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars, rookie receiver Riley Ridley, cornerback Kevin Toliver, linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis and running back Ryan Nall are just some of the names that the Bears should play against the Vikings.

While Nagy insists that the goal is to go out and win on Sunday, he wouldn’t rule out resting some starters and giving opportunities to some younger players. But Week 17 is different from the preseason where starters are rested to avoid injuries.

“The end of the year versus the start of the year, is probably the biggest thing,” Nagy said. “Again, there’s some things that we’ll take into account as we go through this. But the main objective for our players and for our coaches is to go there and try to win the football game — even regardless of their situation.”

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