The Bears’ offensive line went through its first on-field work directly preparing the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday with both Matt Slauson and rookie Hroniss Grasu both taking snaps as the No. 1 center.
Not surprisingly, coach John Fox demurred from giving any indication which way the job would fall on game day.
Slauson handled the position well last Sunday after Will Montgomery was lost for the year with a broken leg. Grasu has yet to be active for an NFL regular season game, but “like everywhere: who plays the best, who practices the best,” Fox said. “They earn it. They earn their opportunities, they earn their reps, they earn whether they start or don’t start. We have all this week to look at that.”
What the Bears already don’t have all this week to look at are two other members of the nicked-up position group. Left tackle Jermon Bushrod continues to miss practice with the effects of a concussion and a shoulder injury and Patrick Omameh, who moved in at left guard when Slauson went to center, did not practice because of an ankle injury suffered in the game.
Right tackle Kyle Long was limited in practice with back and ankle soreness. Jay Cutler was limited with his hamstring injury.
Wide receivers and defensive backs weren’t in a whole lot better shape. Alshon Jeffery continues to do work on the side and be limited in practice with an injured hamstring while Eddie Royal (ankle) did not practice at all.
Nickel corner Sherrick McManis (hamstring) joined safety Antrel Rolle (ankle) sitting out practice while cornerback Alan Ball (groin) was limited after being active but held out of the Oakland game.
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Defensive linemen Jeremiah Ratliff (ankle) and Will Sutton (elbow) were limited, as was punter Pat O’Donnell (knee).