Lucas Patrick's Status Questionable After Being Added to Injury Report
File this under the category of "challenging circumstances."
The Chicago Bears are already contending with issues on the offensive line, including Teven Jenkins being moved to right guard, Braxton Jones' absence, and Nate Davis being sidelined due to an ankle sprain. Now, the prospect of facing Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and their formidable defense must be a source of excitement for these pass rushers.
Adding to the complications, center Lucas Patrick has been added to the injury report with a back problem, just over five hours before the release of pregame inactives. He is now listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Chargers.
This development raises questions about the intensity of walk-throughs at Halas Hall, as Patrick was not on the injury report as of Friday and did not miss any practice sessions this week. There was no mention of his condition in Saturday's update regarding possible roster changes.
The Bears do have several options to consider. Second-year center Doug Kramer could potentially make his first NFL start, or they might choose to move Cody Whitehair back to the center position, despite his struggles with shotgun snaps earlier this year.
Patrick's recent performance has been somewhat inconsistent, with three consecutive weeks of Pro Football Focus grades in the 60s. Prior to that, he had been graded in the 40s and 50s this season, making his 66.0 grade against the Raiders last week his second-best of the season.
If the decision is made to shift Whitehair to center, it could lead to Teven Jenkins returning to left guard and Ja'Tyre Carter taking over at right guard in place of Nate Davis.
