Chicago Bears Place OT Teven Jenkins on Injured Reserve

As expected, the Chicago Bears are placing rookie OT Teven Jenkins on Injured Reserve (back-related issue and surgery). Teven was selected 39th overall by the Bears after a trade up in the 2nd round to secure his acquisition.

What’s interesting here is the timing of this decision.

During the 2021 offseason the NFL approved of sweeping changes to the league-wide IR rules and policies. The two biggest changes are 1) players are required to miss *only* (3) games and 2) there is no longer a limit to how many players can be designated to return. Hypothetically, Teven Jenkins can be activated from IR as soon as week four, since the Bears placed him on IR the day after the initial 53-man roster was set.

That being said, it’s extremely unrealistic to think we’ll see Jenkins back so soon. Realistically a full recovery from any back surgery can take months before said patient is cleared to workout. Let alone be cleared to play in any sport.

We will see what happens from this point forward, as we wish Teven Jenkins a swift recovery from his surgery. This move might suggest how optimistic the Bears are with seeing Teven Jenkins return this season. When that return will be is anyone’s guess at this point.