Is this Chicago Bears player becoming a roster lock

The injury news to Doug Kramer is devastating. After his preseason debut, you know that Kramer wanted to build off of his performance, and now he is stuck waiting until next year, working on getting healthier. However, one Chicago Bears player that may benefit from the injury news is Sam Mustipher.

When the team drafted Kramer it started to look like the days of Mustipher with the Bears were over. However, early into OTAs, it was Sam Mustipher starting at right guard. The team signed Michael Schofield since, but beyond that, an injury to Lucas Patrick moved Mustipher back to center.

Mustipher worked behind Kramer for a few days, but before the first preseason game, Mustipher had already been placed ahead of Kramer on the depth chart. Kramer struggled and was injured in the preseason game, and while Mustipher was not great,  he went from one of three centers to the only center on the roster who was healthy rather quickly.

The team signed Corey Dublin, but this is a rookie UDFA who was still available now. The reality is that they signed him because they have to give Mustipher a break at some point, and someone else has to snap.

The numbers game turned in favor of Mustipher very quickly, and it really has little to do with his play. It has become apparent that the fanbase has turned on Mustipher and wants to see him cut immediately, but it is unlikely Dublin can do that, and if he does, it is doubtful he could fare better.

The team does not have anyone else who could be the backup center, and their current starting center is hurt. As much as fans do not like Mustipher they have to realize that the roster is set up for him to make the team another season.

We will see what happens and whether they end up signing someone, but if they expect Patrick back soon, they appear more content with Mustipher as the backup than most fans. Expect him to crack the 53-man again this year.