Starting guard Chilo Rachal abruptly leaves Bears

As if the Bears offense doesn’t have enough problems, starting left guard Chilo Rachal left the team and has been placed on the reserve/ left squad list due to “personal reasons.”

The Bears promoted James Brown to replace Rachal on the 53-man roster. But Chris Spencer, who started the first two games at left guard this season, will return to the starting lineup in place of Rachal at the same position.

Rachal spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, starting 38 games. When he signed with the Bears this past offseason, Rachal made an impression and worked his way into the starting lineup early in the season. But in his eighth start, against his former team, Rachal had his worst outing, allowing a sack, a hurry and drawing two holding penalties, mostly opposite 49ers All-Pro defensive lineman Justin Smith. He also struggled in run blocking.

According to a league source, the 49ers knew how to “get in his head,” prompting Rachal’s poor performance. The source added that Rachal, in general, is emotional and needs constant positive reinforcement.

Brown is a rookie from Troy who flashed some potential during training camp. But Brown is primarily a tackle.