2. Chicago Bears DL Justin Jones
Along with the injury to Samuel Cosmi, the Washington Commanders will also be playing a backup at right guard. However, this appears to be a coach’s decision as the veteran Trai Turner is taking a seat for the younger Saahdiq Charles.
Charles is in his third NFL season and Sunday was his fifth NFL start. It was also only the third time he started at right guard.
Charles played left tackle at LSU and was a tackle prospect for Washington. They started him at tackle early into 2021, then moved him to guard for a week 14 game, and he has been at guard since then.
Still, Charles has been at guard for less than a year and will be making his fourth career start at a position that he is just picking up right now. Washington is clearly trying things out here.
When you look at the Chicago Bears defensive line, Justin Jones has been the clear bright spot amongst interior players. Jones is easily the best run stopped, and had a huge sack against the Texans. He was also in for a sack last week.
The Commanders run the ball up the middle when most teams they have played in recent weeks have been running to the outside much more. This is going to give Jones a chance to have his hand in the run game more than against guys like Dalvin Cook, and Saquon Barkley who kick runs outside.
The Chicago Bears run defense should have their easiest matchup, and if Jones comes to play it will be their best performance in that area.