The Bears’ dream of offensive line continuity has yet to become a reality. They had starters in and out throughout training camp, and coach Matt Eberflus held out hope for a productive week leading up to the season opener Sunday against the Packers, but they were patching it together again Thursday.
Enigmatic right guard Nate Davis was out this time, and that has been an ongoing concern with one of the team’s highest-paid players. Davis signed a three-year, $30 million contract, then didn’t attend the first two weeks of organized team activities and missed significant time leading up to the season.
Davis was at Halas Hall throughout the day and on the sideline during the part of practice open to the media, but the team listed “personal” as the reason he was out. The Bears said he practiced in full Wednesday.
If Davis is in question for the game, the next option likely would be seven-year veteran Dan Feeney. The Bears traded a sixth-round pick for Feeney last week.
They’re already adapting to starting left guard Teven Jenkins being on injured reserve. Cody Whitehair’s move from left guard to center has been scrapped, for now, and backup Lucas Patrick is expected to start at center.
General manager Ryan Poles said Davis’ absences in training camp were not solely because of injury, but rather “a combination of things.” He and Eberflus seemed empathetic but also frustrated.
“You do have to play football, you’ve gotta practice football, and he’s doing well now,” Poles said last week. “Knocking that rust off and getting going, that’s going to be the key thing.”
In Davis’ first four seasons, all with the Titans, he played in 55 of a possible 66 games.
Jones still going
Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones continued his offseason of antagonizing the Packers’ fan base by vowing that his team is about to take control of the rivalry.
“We’re about to be on the other side of that now; we’re gonna be the ones that give the beatdowns,” Jones said. “We’re not getting beat by them anymore. It’s gonna be us. It starts Sunday.”
The Packers have won eight in a row and 23 of the last 26 matchups.
We’ll help you pack
The Bears have celebrated quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ departure since the Packers traded him to the Jets. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams said he started thinking “right away” about how it would change the Green Bay offense to move from Rodgers to Jordan Love.
“As soon as he goes, we smile and we say, ‘Hey, good luck. Good luck in New York. Hope you enjoy Broadway. Enjoy all the stuff that they have out there,’ ” Williams said. “And then we go, ‘Hey, let’s move on. A new chapter.’ ”
Injury updates
Three Bears starters who were limited in practice Wednesday were back to full participation: safeties Eddie Jackson (ankle) and Jaquan Brisker (groin) and defensive end DeMarcus Walker (calf).
Christian Watson, the Packers’ top receiver, remained out with a hamstring injury. Romeo Doubs (hamstring), their No. 2 receiver, was limited.
