Is Nate Davis playing today? Latest on the Chicago Bears veteran offensive lineman

Chicago Bears veteran offensive lineman Nate Davis's approval rating has plummeted over the past year.

While Davis suffered a loss in the family last summer that resulted in him missing most of the team's Training Camp and Preseason, his status in his second season with the team has been questionable to say the least. So much so that even head coach Matt Eberflus seemed to call out his starting right guard a couple of weeks ago when he suggested that starting jobs could be lost if a player is not available.

Davis returned to practice this week and did speak with reporters on Thursday, after the Bears' joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals. Even though Davis offered little insight into the injury that kept him sidelined prior to this week, he did confirm that his focus was on being present and available for his teammates and coaches. Davis also dismissed any idea of there being a rift between him and Eberflus.

Is Nate Davis playing today?

Eberflus announced on Thursday that the Bears starters will be playing today against the Bengals. With that in mind, given his return to practice, Davis is expected to be the Bears' starting right guard when they take the field today at Soldier Field.

Davis being healthy and available is a key component to a Bears' offensive line that has been plagued with injuries in recent weeks. Presumed starting center Ryan Bates has been dealing with an injury in recent weeks, forcing Coleman Shelton to serve as the team's starter at the position. Bates, in Davis' absence, was playing at right guard prior to his injury.

It seems that the starting offensive line that the Bears will have today could be their starting offensive line at the beginning of the season. Shelton and Davis will be at center and right guard respectively, with Darnell Wright and Braxton at the two tackles, and Teven Jenks as the left guard.