5 Chicago Bears offensive linemen with most to gain this preseason

4. Can Lucas Patrick still start for the Chicago Bears?

One of the more interesting names this offseason has been Lucas Patrick. You can almost say that there are six offensive linemen because Patrick is always with the starters. During OTAs, Patrick split time with Cody Whitehair at center. Now, in training camp, when Teven Jenkins or Nate Davis miss time, it is Patrick at both guard spots starting.

Unfortunately, Jenkins and Davis have not been in there together too often, and Patrick has seen plenty of work with the starters. So, the question becomes whether or not Patrick can push anywhere or what his role will be.

The Chicago Bears have questions at center, but they have more viable candidates to start at center than guard. When the second team comes out, does Patrick play guard? Ja'Tyre Carter has gotten work at right guard, so the team could line up Lucas Patrick with the second team at left guard. Or does he stick at center? Does he get any snaps with the first team at center? Knowing the injury history and age of Whitehair may call for him to get some.

Perhaps Whitehair and Patrick split work with the starters, and then Patrick slides into left guard with the second team. Either way that would mean he sees some of the most work in the preseason, especially in the first halves of games. That is worth watching in itself.