4 players gaining bigger roles for the Chicago Bears

2. Jack Sanborn gives the Chicago Bears versatility

One interesting note from early into the Chicago Bears' win over the Washington Commanders was that the Bears came out and played their base personnel even when the Commanders played 11-personnel. It was an effort to defend the run first, so even if the Commanders had passing looks, the Bears were to defend the run.

It led to Jack Sanborn playing 12 snaps in coverage, and even rushing the passer on three snaps. So, the Commanders passed on 15 of the 18 snaps he played Thursday. Sanborn played so few snaps because the threat of the run was gone, but he played so many passing snaps early because the Bears played their heavy personnel against the Commanders' lighter offensive group.

In the last two games, Jack Sanborn has played 22 snaps in the slot. He also has 14 snaps on the edge. That is the role of the SAM linebacker, but it is becoming clear that the Chicago Bears want to lean on this look more, especially before they can get Kyler Gordon healthy.

Will we continue to see Sanborn in the slot in the coming weeks, or was this a more specifically gameplanned look?

1. The Chicago Bears will lean on Teven Jenkins

This one is rather obvious. The Chicago Bears will be getting Teven Jenkins back in the lineup, and next week will be his first start. The Bears activated him for the Commanders game, but he did not start. We will never know if there was a thought to rotate him in, but a Lucas Patrick injury had him in the shuffle quickly.

The Bears gave him a series off and played Ja'Tyre Carter but went right back to Jenkins, who finished the game with 37 snaps. He was arguably the Bears' best offensive lineman, and the game was the best that the line had played. Even if Lucas Patrick comes back, it is clear that the Bears will be sticking with Jenkins at left guard and Cody Whitehair at center.

Jenkins got a nice dip into his return, then got an extended break with the Thursday game. Now, on Sunday, he should be ready to roll for the rest of the season.