Since being signed as a free agent in 2019, the Chicago Bears haven't got much from interior offensive lineman Nate Davis. The Bears have added rotational depth at the interior of the offensive line, but that part of the team remains a big question mark heading into the 2024-25 season.
Aside from Teven Jenkins, who has battled a slew of injuries since being drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Bears are incredibly thin at the interior of their offensive line.
Per the Chicago Bears' depth chart, here's how their offensive line looks heading into their second preseason matchup:
LT: Braxton Jones (1), Larry Borom (2), Kiran Amegadjie (3)
LG: Teven Jenkins (1), Ja'Tyre Carter (2), Jerome Carvin
C: Ryan Bates/Coleman Shelton (1/2), Doug Kramer Jr. (3)
RG: Nate Davis (1), Matt Pryor (2), Bill Murray (3), Theo Benedet (4)
RT: Darnell Wright (1), Jake Curhan (2), Aviante Collins (3)
However, since being signed in 2019, Nate Davis' availability is something that could cause him to lose his starting spot as the team's right guard. On Tuesday's practice, Davis was a partial participant, however, he has yet to play in a team session.
Matt Eberflus sends message to Nate Davis and others ahead of Chicago Bears' second preseason game
In his media session on Tuesday, Eberflus didn't mince words on the situation.
Matt Eberflus when asked about Nate Davis and his status as a starter:
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 6, 2024
"If a person is out for an extended period of time and a player that is in that position is playing really well, at a starter level, and doing a good job there, then you create the competition. Then you say… pic.twitter.com/gyQPSVEQiw
The message from Eberflus is clear, and it's a message that many Chicago Bears fans feel themselves. Especially with how special the offense could be if Caleb Williams hits the ground running with his Avengers cast of weapons around him.
However, none of that matters if Williams is being fed his lunch through a straw because of an interior offensive line that has its fair share of holes.
Now, at the end of this quote, Eberflus made it aware that this wasn't a direct message to any one player. Eberflus noted, "That's not just at guard. That's at all positions."
So, there could be some other position battles across the 53-man roster that aren't as clear as the competition at guard, and coach Eberflus made it clear where he stands on the situation. If someone can play at a high level consistently and someone else can't, the one who can will get the reps.
For many, it's not a foreign idea, but it's refreshing to hear from the Chicago Bears' head coach.