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The Chicago Bears offensive line has several several different arrangements this season due to injury and reserve/COVID-19 list designations. But there seems to be one silver lining amidst the struggles on the offensive line, which is the emergence of Sam Mustipher.
Mustipher signed with the Bears in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame, and through some woes on the offensive line has gotten his chance to shine. And he’s taken full advantage of it.
“He’s got a big heart, very smart, very competitive,” said offensive line coach Juan Castillo. “You know, guys like that, sometimes all they need is an opportunity. And that’s what he has, and so far, he’s making the best of it. I think he’s good for the group. The way he plays is like a construction worker, pounding away every play.”
Chicago’s coaching staff has been quite impressed with Mustipher, who saw his second career start at center on Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers.
Mustipher’s first start came in replacement of starting center Cody Whitehair. Unfortunately for Mustipher he suffered a knee injury that kept him sidelined for two games. But he returned to the starting line-up alongside Whitehair. Only Mustipher lined up at center while Whitehair kicked out to left guard.
Now, Mustipher has a chance to become an important leader and mainstay on Chicago’s offensive line.
“When we got here, I talked about [him] putting on weight,” said Castillo. “He was about 305 or so, and now he’s 320 pounds. There’s a difference, you know. 10-15 pounds make a big difference, you know. And he’s done all the extra work.”
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