Bears reportedly considering another offensive line change

The Bears’ offensive line could face one more starting lineup change in Matt Eberflus’ 37 games as head coach.

According to a report from Brad Biggs of the Tribune, Matt Pryor will start for Nate Davis at right guard when the Bears play the Indianapolis Colts today at noon. Davis is officially listed as questionable for the game on the injury report. It would be the 21st change to the starting lineup.

The Bears started each of the first two games with the same line. Davis has been nursing a groin injury and has practiced only partially this past week. He was off the injury report for last week’s game against the Texans, although he has been bothered by a “soft tissue” injury at times during training camp.

“Nate Davis was limited today, re-injured his groin, rubbed it a little bit on Wednesday, but he worked on it again today,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “He was limited and we’ll see where that playing time is.”

Pryor practiced extensively with starters during the offseason when Davis was injured and also in training camp. He also filled in at tackle. Pryor is their tallest offensive lineman at 6-foot-7, 332 pounds.

“He’s a big guy, that’s for sure,” Eberflus said. “He takes up some space, but he’s definitely improved. He’s one of our most improved linemen, and I know he’s played and everything.

“We’re definitely seeing improvement in him, and what he’s brought in terms of his work ethic, his energy and what he brings as a teammate as well. Super excited for him, whether he’s going to work with Nate there or whatever that may be. We’ll see in terms of getting closer to the game, but he’s had a really good week of work.”

When Eberflus said “work it in,” he was referring to Week 1, when the Bears used Ryan Bates and Davis at right guard, but ultimately selected Bates for more than twice as many snaps as Davis (38-18). Bates, however, suffered elbow and shoulder injuries and was placed on the injured list.

Pryor, in his seventh year, started just over half of his team’s games in 2020 as a second-year guard for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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He then started nine games for the Eagles in 2022 at guard and tackle as a substitute.

The Bears are his fourth team. He was with the 49ers last year and was not in the starting lineup.

He played 77 games and started 24 times.

The Bears have allowed nine sacks so far this season, tied for the most in the NFL. They rank 28th in rushing yards and 29th in yards per rushing attempt.

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