The Chicago Bears have started Riley Reiff for three straight games, in a move that has to be looked at as nothing other than a benching for Larry Borom. However, this is not your standard benching, as injury guided the way.
Larry Borom missed week eight with a concussion. The team had to turn to Reiff with no other option. Reiff handled himself well, and Borom missed the first two days of practice the next week. Still, Borom did return and got in work for the final two days. The team decided that was not enough, and he was the backup despite being active.
Should Chicago Bears have kept starting Larry Borom?
A case could have been made that the Chicago Bears were being extra cautious for a player fresh out of protocol. Borom did not get a full week of work, and the coaches have been adamant that this is necessary to play.
So, the third week, the last game against Detroit was the true test. Borom practiced all week but still was not given the starting nod. He was now essentially two weeks removed from his concussion.
It brings up multiple interesting questions. First, should a player lose his job due to injury? There was nothing he could do. He was the starter, he got hurt, and now his job is gone. He was not playing poorly. That does not seem fair.
On the flip side, Reiff has been good, and they are riding the hot hand. The team has scored 30 In three straight games with Reiff, so it would seem out of line to switch things up now.
According to PFF Reiff has 108 pass block snaps while Borom has 208. Borom has a 74.3 grade, and Reiff is at 72.6. Borom has a 94 efficiency grade, and Reiff is at 95. They have been about even.
If all things are even, should they let the younger player who earned the job before the injury get It back? Or, because Reiff has done nothing to lose the job, should the Chicago Bears continue to roll with him as a starter?