Chicago Bears Place Rookie OT on Injured Reserve
Team Announces Season-Ending Injury
The Chicago Bears have announced that rookie offensive tackle Teven Jenkins has been placed on injured reserve due to a back injury. The move ends Jenkins' season before it even began, as he was expected to start at right tackle for the Bears in 2023.
Jenkins was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. He started 11 games for the Bears as a rookie, but suffered a back injury in the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. The injury required surgery, and Jenkins has been rehabbing ever since.
The Bears were hoping that Jenkins would be ready for the start of the 2023 season, but his recovery has not progressed as quickly as they had hoped. The team made the decision to place him on injured reserve to give him more time to recover from his injury.
The Bears will now have to find a replacement for Jenkins at right tackle. The team has a few options, including veteran Larry Borom and second-year player Alex Leatherwood. The Bears could also look to sign a free agent or trade for a tackle.
The loss of Jenkins is a big blow to the Bears' offensive line, which was already struggling last season. The Bears allowed 58 sacks in 2022, which was the most in the NFL. Jenkins was expected to be a key part of the Bears' efforts to improve their pass protection in 2023.
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