Nate Davis and Ryan Bates were projected as starters on the Bears offensive line. But with the line making progress without them during a three-game winning streak, Bates and Davis might have to wait their turn before getting back on the field.
Davis, who started the first two games at right guard, was replaced by Matt Pryor in Week 3 and was a healthy inactive for Sunday’s 35-16 victory over the Jaguars in London.
Bill Murray, Doug Kramer and rookie Kiran Amegadjie were the back-up linemen against the Jaguars. That’s a new low for Davis, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract in free agency in 2023.
Coach Matt Eberflus put Davis’ latest downturn in the most positive light, praising Davis for handling his demotion well.
“We felt like going with eight [linemen] provided what we needed for the game and we were OK with doing that,” Eberflus said. “I’ve got to give Nate a lot of credit here. He’s been a pro’s pro. He’s done a really good job of staying engaged, working every week.”
The Bears are probably past the point of “sending a message” to Davis or trying to motivate him. But Eberflus wasn’t about to go there.
“Like I said, he’s been great,” Eberflus said. “And we’re going to need him down the stretch. It could be this week, next week or after that. He’s done a really good job with that.”
Bates, who rotated with Davis in the opener, was put on injured reserve in Week 2 with shoulder and elbow injuries. He was eligible to return against the Jaguars, but remained on injured reserve.
The Bears’ offensive line has improved after a rough start, particularly in convincing victories over the Panthers (36-10) and Jaguars (35-16) the past two weeks.
While Bates is probably healthy enough to return, it’s unlikely the Bears will alter the lineup of left tackle Braxton Jones, left guard Teven Jenkins, center Coleman Shelton, Pryor and right tackle Darnell Wright while they’re running hot. Especially with continuity at a premium.
“I’ve been encouraged with the guys that have been in there,” Eberflus said. “It’s a long season. It’s always going to … slide some different guys in there during the course of the season. But I do like where it’s been the last few weeks. It’s been firm. It’s been good and the protection has been nice. The continuity has been good, too.”
Injury outlook: optimistic
With a bye this week, Eberflus was hopeful that cornerbacks Kyler Gordon (hamstring) and Tyrique Stevenson (calf) and safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) could return for the Bears’ next game against the Commanders on Oct. 27 at FedEx Field. Gordon, who left Sunday’s game in the third quarter, underwent an MRI exam to determine the extent of his injury.
Stevenson and Brisker did not make the trip to London.
“We’re hopeful because we have the bye week,” Eberflus said. “We have some time and we hope those guys heal and get the rehab they need to get back as soon as possible.”
Long-snapper Scott Daly also underwent an MRI exam after injuring his knee in the first quarter Sunday.
Gordon: ‘One of the best’
Gordon’s injury overshadowed another excellent performance. Though he played only 24 snaps, Gordon had seven tackles, including stuff for no gain and a tackle for loss.
“He was having one of his better games, and he’s had quite a few of them,” Eberflus said. “He’s a special player in there. The way he moves and contorts his body … that’s why I nicknamed him Spiderman. He’s one of the best nickels in football.”