The Chicago Bears‘ ongoing search for stability at right guard remains unresolved as the team enters Week 2 of the season. Head coach Matt Eberflus shed light on the situation during his September 9 media session, confirming that the Bears plan to continue rotating Nate Davis and Ryan Bates throughout the week. This move comes ahead of Chicago’s Sunday Night Football clash against the Houston Texans.
“We’re gonna look at it this week and we’ll see where it is,” Eberflus said, per the Chicago Sun-Times. “Both guys have played guard a long time and both are proficient at the job. We’re gonna let that play out.”
Both Davis and Bates missed valuable time during training camp and the preseason due to injuries, and the team is eager to see more from both players under live-game conditions. As of now, Davis appears to have a slight edge, but the competition remains very much up in the air.
Rotation at Right Guard Raises Questions
In Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans, the Bears executed a planned rotation at right guard, cycling between Davis and Bates. Initially, some speculated that Davis had been benched after Bates took over at various points during the game, but Eberflus confirmed this was always part of the plan.
“That was the plan,” Eberflus reiterated after the Bears’ narrow 24-27 victory over the Titans. “Both guys were dealing with health issues during training camp. We wanted to make sure they could finish the game. So we were going two and two there.”
Davis, who signed a three-year, $30 million deal with $17.5 million guaranteed this past offseason, is expected to hold down the starting job when healthy. However, with injury concerns lingering, Bates has been given the opportunity to challenge for the spot.
Evaluating Davis and Bates in Week 1
Both linemen had solid moments in the season opener. Davis flashed some of the abilities that earned him his lucrative contract, but durability remains a question. Bates, meanwhile, proved to be reliable, especially in pass protection. In 22 pass-blocking snaps, Bates didn’t allow a single sack or pressure, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). In contrast, Davis surrendered one quarterback hurry in his 13 pass-blocking snaps.
Bates out-snapped Davis 38-18 in total, but his performance was far from flawless. Quinten Krzysko of On Tap Sports Net broke down some of Bates’ plays, noting that while he wasn’t a total liability, there were several “fender benders” in his play. His moments of shakiness leave the door open for Davis to reclaim the starting role once he’s fully healthy.
#Bears RG Ryan Bates split reps with Nate Davis, actually out snapping Davis 38-18.
To put this into terms of auto insurance, every other player on the Bears interior experienced multiple total losses Sunday. Bates only had one, but he had more fender benders than anyone. If… pic.twitter.com/6r8E1S5kmK
— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) September 10, 2024
Could Bates Shift to Center?
As the Bears continue to navigate their right guard situation, they may also be looking for answers at center. Starter Coleman Shelton struggled in Week 1, giving up a sack and a hurry while being flagged twice for holding. Bates, who was initially brought in as a versatile lineman capable of playing center or guard, may be an option to replace Shelton if his struggles continue.
Bates’ leadership qualities have also earned him praise from teammates, making him a valuable asset in any role. Offensive lineman Teven Jenkins highlighted Bates’ vocal presence, describing him as a leader within the locker room. Bates himself has embraced this role, noting the youth of the Bears’ offensive line and his efforts to mentor his teammates.
“I’m stepping into that role and embracing the leadership aspect of it,” Bates said during training camp.
What’s Next for the Bears’ Offensive Line?
With their Week 2 matchup against the Texans fast approaching, the Bears still have decisions to make regarding their offensive line. The ongoing rotation at right guard could very well continue, but with Chicago’s investment in Davis, the expectation is that he will eventually solidify his role. However, Bates’ versatility and leadership keep him in the mix, not only at right guard but potentially at center as well.
As Eberflus noted, the battle is far from over. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the competition plays out in Week 2 and beyond. Whether it’s Davis or Bates, the Bears need consistency on the interior if they want to build momentum early in the season.
