With injuries along the offensive line, some of the Chicago Bears linemen have been working at two different positions
During a year where there is little media access to training camp, UDFAs entering year two such as Alex Bars can slip through the cracks and receive little attention. However, year two with the Chicago Bears is an important one for Bars after recovering from an ACL injury for most of year one.
However, there was a question as to how invested the Bears were in Bars after they fired the offensive line coach who helped bring Bars in. Bars also has been competing for right guard snaps, but the Bears drafted two guards and signed Germain Ifedi to start there. It appears as though he is a long shot for the roster.
However, yesterday, his chances to make it may have improved. With injuries amongst the depth of the offensive line, Alex Bars started to get some work at tackle yesterday. Matt Nagy noted that versatility is important for depth assets.
Matt Nagy on Rashaad Coward and Alex Bars - who mostly play guard - getting some work in at tackle: "If you have roster flexibility with your offensive line it really helps out."
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) August 25, 2020
This is huge for Bars. With so many guards in the mix, it is almost impossible for him to stand out. However, versatility can push him on the roster. Beyond that, tackle is wide open for the taking. We know of Charles Leno and Bobby Massie, but there is no legitimate depth behind the two.
Jason Spriggs was signed for the role, but he is banged up as well. To be honest, his upside does not touch Bars, either. A week or two of good play at tackle could give the Bears confidence to move him to swing tackle.
Massie could be let go next year, and Bars could be in line to compete at right tackle. Of course, he would have to take advantage of the next few days for any of this to be possible. Stay tuned.