The Chicago Bears managed to secure a win in Week 4 against the struggling Los Angeles Rams, but now they face a significant injury concern.
Left guard Teven Jenkins left the game in the first half due to a rib injury and did not return.
Courtney Cronin of ESPN reported via X that Jenkins has been downgraded to “OUT.” Initially, he was listed as “questionable” to return, but the downgrade suggests that he was in considerable pain after the injury. It may also reflect findings from further examinations, such as X-rays.
The Bears are expected to provide updates on Jenkins’ status on Monday and later in the week. If he misses significant time, it will be a blow to an already struggling offensive line, which will also impact rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who has faced challenges just four games into his career.
### Teven Jenkins: The Bears’ Best Offensive Lineman
Jenkins is crucial to the Bears’ offensive line, which has struggled overall. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he ranks 28th out of 64 qualifying guards in the NFL after four games. Alongside left tackle Braxton Jones, Jenkins is one of the few players in the top half of his position.
The Bears’ run game had difficulties in the first three weeks but showed some improvement on Sunday, with running back D’Andre Swift rushing for 93 yards on 16 carries and the team totaling 131 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Losing Jenkins will hinder their ability to run the ball effectively; his absence forced Matt Pryor to shift from right guard to left guard, and Nate Davis was moved back to right guard after being benched in Week 3 for poor performance and work ethic.
### Bears’ Upcoming Schedule
Chicago’s offensive line has already struggled to protect Caleb Williams, who has been sacked 16 times this season, one of the highest rates in the league. PFF ranked the Bears’ offensive line 20th out of 32 teams heading into Week 4 and identified Jenkins as its standout player, noting he has allowed pressure on just 4.1% of pass plays this season, the best rate of his career.
Fortunately for the Bears, their next two games will be at Soldier Field against teams currently ranked among the worst in the league: the Carolina Panthers (1-3) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4). The Panthers have recorded only five sacks this season, while the Jaguars have managed just seven. However, a Bears offensive line without Jenkins could still struggle against even subpar pass-rushing defenses, making updates on his status critical for the team’s outlook in the coming weeks.
