Two Bears Offensive Linemen Return To Practice, Caleb Williams Desperate For Blocking

Two offensive linemen for the Chicago Bears returned to practice, a massive step in the right direction for a team in desperate need of pass protection. Without the services of injured tackles Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright in Week 10, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked nine times in an embarrassing 19-3 loss against the Patriots.

After steadily improving all year with a developing rookie quarterback, the Bears have taken a massive step back in form since their Week 8 bye. Injuries to the offensive line are almost entirely to blame, stunting every other facet of the offense.

Chicago took some proactive steps to improve the situation, releasing veteran guard Nate Davis, who was also injured last week, and signing 2023 third-rounder Ricky Stromberg to the practice squad. 

Even with these moves, however, the line’s strength ultimately depends on how quickly starters like Jones and Wright can return healthy. Both linemen practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday and provided positive updates.

“Feeling pretty good,” Jones told reporters Wednesday after two weeks on the sideline, per a team report. “Rejuvenated. Feeling healthy, so just ready to be out there at practice and see how it goes. But, feeling pretty good. … It’s tough to sit out any week. Been playing this game for years now and I want to play every week and be able to help my team in any way I can.”

In Chicago’s last two games against the Cardinals and Bears, in which they had to compete without both starting tackles, Williams was sacked 15 times, nearly doubling his total from his first seven games. Against the Patriots, he threw for just 130 yards on 16 completions.

As a result of poor blocking and limited production through the air, the Bears’ running game has suffered as well. Starter D’Andre Swift, who rushed for at least 70 yards and a score in four straight games between Weeks 4 and 8, has not broken 60 yards since. Backup Roschon Johnson’s typically productive supporting role has completely evaporated.