Bears starting OT Braxton Jones headed to IR |
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced on Wednesday that left tackle Braxton Jones is going to be placed on the injured reserve with a neck injury.
Jones will miss a minimum of four games. "We'll see where it is," Eberflus said on how long he will be out. "We don't have timetables on it right now. That's where it is right now." He played his entire rookie season and didn't miss a snap in 17 games in 2022. Larry Borom is listed as the Bears’ backup left tackle, and other candidates that can be brought up from the practice squad for more line depth include Aviante Collins, Matt Farniok, Roy Mbaeteka, and Bill Murray. "Larry Borom is in there," Eberflus said on who can fill the void in Jones' absence. "J.T. could take some spots out there. We really feel good about him, the way he played last week inside. Certainly athletic enough to help us out there too. We'll see where it goes." Jones was a fifth-round draft pick by the Bears in 2022. One good news is that veteran offensive guard Nate Davis has returned to the team after a death in the family. "Good to see Nate Davis back," Eberflus said, "and certainly our hearts are saddened for him, but he's back in the building. He came back last night and he's all set to go to practice today. But, again, all of our sympathies with his family."