On Monday, the Chicago Bears designated left guard Teven Jenkins for return. The Bears have 21 days to activate Teven to the 53-man roster. He has a chance to play on Thursday Night against the Washington Commanders.
The Chicago Bears drafted Teven Jenkins in 2021
The Chicago Bears traded up in the 2nd round to draft him 39th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Teven played both tackle positions at Oklahoma State. The Bears were planning on having him play offensive tackle in the NFL.
Teven was injured for most of his rookie season
On August 18, 2021, he underwent back surgery. Chicago placed Jenkins on the injured reserve to start the season. On December 4th, the Bears activated him off the injured reserve. Left tackle Jason Peters suffered an injury in Week 14, and Jenkins filled in for him. Jenkins started the next two games at left tackle. Jenkins played okay in his two starts but had seven penalties and two sacks allowed. Jason Peters came back from injury and started the last two games.
Teven suffered a significant neck injury in 2022
After the 2021 season, the Bears fired Head Coach Matt Nagy and General Manager Ryan Pace. The Bears replaced Matt Nagy with Matt Eberflus and Ryan Pace with Ryan Poles. Ryan Poles doesn’t have an obligation to keep him because he didn’t draft Jenkins. The Bears could’ve traded Jenkins.
Instead of trading Teven, the Bears switched positions, moving him from tackle to right guard during the preseason. After an impressive preseason, the Bears named Jenkins the starter at right guard. Jenkins started 11 of 13 games at right guard.
Teven suffered a neck injury on the opening drive of Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jenkins was taken off the field on a stretcher. Jenkins returned to practice ten days after the scary injury. He would re-injure his neck in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions. Chicago placed him on the injured reserve, missing Week 18.
The Bears offensive coordinator had Teven switch positions again
The Bears signed Tennessee Titans right guard Nate Davis to a 3-year, $30 million contract. Teven agreed to switch positions from right guard to left guard.
On August 30, 2023, The Chicago Bears placed left guard Teven Jenkins on injured reserve with a leg injury. Jenkins got injured during joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts and hasn’t practiced since that injury.
Teven is in his third year of his 4-year, $8,387,847 rookie contract with the Bears. It is unclear whether Jenkins will be part of the Bears’ future. He is one of the best offensive linemen on the team.
If Jenkins does start on Thursday Night, expect the Bears to move Cody Whitehair from left guard to center, and Lucas Patrick will backup Jenkins. This is good news for the Bears, as Justin Fields could get more offensive line help.
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