Through all the tumult of a 3-14 season in 2022 and a rocky 0-2 start to a rebuilding season in 2023, left tackle Braxton Jones’ availability was something the Bears could count on. Since being drafted in the fifth round, Jones has started all 19 games and played all 1,161 snaps.
Not anymore.
Jones was put on injured reserve with a neck injury and will miss at least four games, coach Matt Eberflus said to lead off a newsy Wednesday at Halas Hall. A source said Jones is expected to return at some point this season.
The injury apparently developed after the game against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Jones played all 61 snaps and talked to reporters afterward.
Eberflus did not provide any more detail on the extent of the injury.
“It’s a neck — that’s what we know right now,” he said.
He would not speculate on the injury possibly being season-ending.
“We’ll see where it is; we don’t have timetables on it right now,” Eberflus said.
Third-year offensive lineman Larry Borom was the first player Eberflus mentioned as a replacement for Jones. Borom, a 2021 fifth-round pick from Missouri, has started 17 games — 15 at right tackle, one at right guard and one at left guard. But he said he’s ready if needed at left tackle.
“Week to week, being the swing [tackle], you’ve got to be prepared for both at any given moment, so that’s helped me a lot,” Borom said. “I’ll be fine.”
Ja’Tyre Carter, a 2022 seventh-round pick who started for right guard Nate Davis against the Bucs, also is a candidate.
Eberflus did not rule out moving first-round rookie right tackle Darnell Wright to the left side, though it is less likely.
“There’s certainly a thought, for sure,” Eberflus said. “But when you’re working with a first-year player, a lot of times you like to leave them in the same spot. But that’s been in the conversation.”
Peterman released
The Bears cut backup quarterback Nathan Peterman, at least temporarily leaving undrafted free-agent rookie Tyson Bagent as the No. 2 quarterback behind Justin Fields.
Davis back
Davis returned to practice after missing last week because of a death in his family.
“Good to see Nate Davis back, and our hearts are saddened for him, but he’s back in the building,” Eberflus said.
Davis missed much of training camp and did not play in the preseason because of an undisclosed injury and “a combination of things,” general manager Ryan Poles said. He played all 74 snaps against the Packers but showed signs of rust, allowing nine pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Injury report
Center Lucas Patrick (illness) and safety Eddie Jackson (foot) did not practice. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney (knee) and cornerback Josh Blackwell (hamstring) were limited.
Eberflus remained optimistic that Jackson, who suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury against the Jets in Week 12 last year, does not have a serious injury this time.
“Eddie is positive and Mooney, as well,” Eberflus said.
