Ryan Bates' imminent return to the Bears' offensive line creates options

The Chicago Bears are about to have an interesting decision to make when it comes to the center position. Ryan Bates was placed on the Injured Reserve, but he is nearing his return. When healthy, the Bears viewed him as a potential starting center. 

If you have been watching the Bears this season then you know that their center position has been uneasy. Coleman Shelton has not been a great solution, and the easy thought is that Bates would be inserted into the lineup once he gets healthy enough to play. However, there may be more to this decision. 

Shelton, given the injury to Bates, has been the Bears' starting center this season. While there were struggles from Shelton to open the season, he seems to have found a rapport with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams during the team's three-game winning streak.

Should the Chicago Bears stick with Coleman Shelton at center?

Williams is coming off of his best three games, but so is Shelton.

Now comes the interesting twist. Bates may be better than Shelton. That was the thinking of Ryan Poles during the offseason when he traded for Bates.

Bates has 203 career snaps at center, and last season he only played 35 snaps at center. It is not like he is proven here, as he has more career snaps at both guard spots

So, the Bears could let Shelton continue to gain continuity with Williams. Or, they could switch to Bates with the hope that he will be better, but not much more than just hope.

What may be more likely is that the Bears insert Bates as the starting right guard in place of Matt Pryor. Bates, meanwhile, could still serve as the backup center in case there is an injury to Shelton or ineffective play.