The Chicago Bears could be without projected starting right guard Teven Jenkins for up to six weeks, as first reported by Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune on August 20.
This would, of course, bleed into the regular season, and we now know just what the ailment is.
“Teven Jenkins is dealing with what I’m told is two strained calves,” said ESPN NBA insider Adam Schefter on NFL Live on August 21. “Both calves are strained. At this point in time, he is expected to miss the start of the season. We’ll see when he can get back out there. He injured his leg last week.”
Bears’ Teven Jenkins Dealing With “2 Strained Calves”, Insider Says
Jenkins went through joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts ahead of their Week 2 showdown. He even spoke with reporters afterward, leading to some confusion over the timing of the injury.
“It hopefully shows signs of my wanted durability of myself for the rest of the season,” Jenkins said after practice on August 17, per Adam Hoge of CHGO Bears. “So as long as I’m staying out here right now through training camp, hopefully it shows positive signs for the rest of the year.”
A former second-round pick, Jenkins has dealt with injury issues since even before he entered the league.
He was arguably the Bears’ best player last season.
Love the nasty demeanor & tone-setting presence Teven Jenkins brings. pic.twitter.com/2pfR7ach5g
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) November 29, 2022
But this latest setback seems to be a new issue. It was even a first for a seasoned sports reporter such as Schefter.
“I think it’s actually both legs,” Schefter continued. “I think it’s both calves. I’ve never heard of that before but that’s what was told to me, described to me, and that’ll be a loss for the Bears’ offensive line.”
Jenkins has dealt with back and neck injuries before with the Bears. He had to be stretchered off the field last season in Week 15 against the Philadelphia 76ers. While he would only miss one game before returning to the lineup in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions, he was inactive for the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
He had to leave practice with an ailment during training camp but has otherwise been healthy.
Bears Guards in Rotation
While Jenkins is set to miss some time, the Bears appear to be getting starting right guard Nate Davis back after he returned to practice last week. He was vague about what the plan was for him in his return to action, though.
He also spoke about his budding bond with Jenkins during his media session on August 14.
“Me and Tevin are close,” Davis said. “We talk about anything from scheme to different type of players we go against. … We talk a lot.”
Bears Unlikely to Provide Clarity on Teven Jekins’ Injury
Davis’ return to the lineup is now paramount with Jenkins bowing out. The Bears revamped offensive line is already working in a rookie at right tackle in Darnell Wright. Now, they will have to work another new starter into the flow. And not just in Week 3 of the preseason against the Buffalo Bills, but for the foreseeable future.
At least until there is more clarity on Jenkins.
But, given how closely guarded the Bears have treated injuries under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, that could be hard to come by until he is near a return to the field