# Chicago Bears’ Offensive Line: A Critical Puzzle to Solve Before Week 1
The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2024 season with high expectations, particularly on offense. With a promising young quarterback in Caleb Williams and a revamped skill-position group, the success of this unit will largely depend on the performance of the offensive line. Head coach Ben Johnson recently made it clear that the team will have their starting five offensive linemen determined by Week 1 of the regular season—whether that process takes three weeks or six. This statement underscores the importance of stability up front, but it also raises questions about the current state of the Bears’ offensive line and how the coaching staff plans to finalize the best possible group.
Chicago’s offensive line has been a point of concern for several years. While the team has invested draft picks and free-agent signings into the unit, consistency has been elusive. The 2023 season saw a mix of injuries, underperformance, and shuffling along the line, which contributed to inconsistent pass protection and a sluggish run game at times. Heading into 2024, the Bears have some established pieces but also several question marks.
**Left Tackle: Braxton Jones**
Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick, has been a pleasant surprise, showing steady improvement over his first two seasons. While not an elite tackle, he has proven to be a reliable starter when healthy. The Bears will likely give him every opportunity to lock down the left tackle spot, but competition in training camp could push him.
**Left Guard: Teven Jenkins**
Jenkins has been one of the Bears’ best linemen when healthy, but injuries have plagued his career. His physicality and athleticism make him a perfect fit in Ben Johnson’s scheme, but durability remains a concern. If he stays healthy, he should be a locked-in starter.
**Center: Ryan Bates vs. Coleman Shelton**
The center position is one of the biggest battles to watch. Bates, acquired via trade from Buffalo, has starting experience and versatility, while Shelton, a free-agent signing from the Rams, brings familiarity with a similar offensive system. This competition could go deep into the preseason.
**Right Guard: Nate Davis**
Davis was signed in 2023 to solidify the right guard spot but had an inconsistent first season in Chicago. If he can return to his Tennessee Titans form, he’ll be a key piece. However, if he struggles, the Bears could look at other options, including moving Bates or Shelton to guard.
**Right Tackle: Darnell Wright**
Wright, the Bears’ 2023 first-round pick, had an up-and-down rookie season but showed flashes of dominance. He is expected to take a major step forward in Year 2, solidifying the right tackle spot for years to come.
Beyond these projected starters, the Bears have depth options like Larry Borom, Ja’Tyre Carter, and rookie Kiran Amegadjie, who could push for playing time. The coaching staff will need to evaluate all possibilities to ensure the best combination is on the field by Week 1.
Ben Johnson’s emphasis on having the starting five determined by Week 1 speaks to the critical nature of offensive line cohesion. Unlike skill positions, where talent can sometimes overcome a lack of chemistry, offensive line success is heavily dependent on communication, timing, and trust among the five players.
A shuffled offensive line can lead to miscommunications in pass protection, missed assignments in the run game, and unnecessary pressure on the quarterback. For a young QB like Caleb Williams, having a stable front five is essential to his development. If the Bears are still experimenting with different combinations deep into the preseason, it could lead to early-season struggles.
History has shown that the best offensive lines are those that play together consistently. The Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions—some of the league’s top offensive lines in recent years—have benefited from keeping their core intact. The Bears must find that same stability if they want their offense to reach its potential.
Johnson’s comment that it could take “three weeks or six weeks” to finalize the starting lineup suggests the Bears are willing to be patient in making the right decisions. Several factors will go into determining the best group:Injuries have been a major issue for the Bears’ offensive line in recent years. Jenkins, Davis, and others have missed significant time, forcing constant reshuffling. Keeping key players healthy in training camp and preseason will be crucial. If injuries arise, the Bears may have to adjust their plans on the fly.While practice reps are important, preseason games will be the true test. The Bears’ coaching staff will closely monitor how linemen perform against live competition, particularly in pass protection and run blocking. Players who show consistency and dominance in these games will have the inside track to starting jobs.Some players, like Ryan Bates, can play multiple positions. If a backup proves to be a better option at one spot than a projected starter, the Bears could shift players around to maximize talent. This flexibility is valuable but also means the evaluation process could take longer.The Bears won’t just be looking for the five most talented individuals—they’ll need the five who work best together. If certain combinations show better synergy in calling protections and executing double teams, that could sway the decision.
Given the variables at play, there are a few possible outcomes for how the starting five shakes out:If Jenkins and Davis stay healthy, Jones and Wright continue developing, and the center competition is resolved cleanly, the Bears could field a strong, cohesive unit. This would give Williams the protection he needs and open up running lanes for the backfield.If injuries strike key players again, the Bears may have to rely on backups or make late adjustments. This could lead to early-season growing pains as new players try to gel.A young player like Amegadjie or Carter could impress enough in camp to steal a starting job. While unlikely, unexpected breakout performances happen every year in the NFL.
The Chicago Bears’ offensive line is one of the most important storylines heading into the 2024 season. Ben Johnson’s statement that the team will know their starting five by Week 1—regardless of how long it takes—shows that the coaching staff understands the stakes. A strong offensive line can elevate the entire offense, while a weak one can derail even the most talented skill players.
With key pieces like Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, and Darnell Wright in place—but questions at center and right guard—the Bears must use training camp and preseason games wisely to find the right combination. If they succeed, Caleb Williams and the offense could thrive. If they struggle to establish continuity, it could be another season of offensive growing pains.
One thing is certain: all eyes will be on the trenches as the Bears work toward finalizing their starting five. The clock is ticking until Week 1, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will have a major impact on the team’s success this season.
