Chris

Williams

Chicago has precious little depth behind projected starters J’Marcus Webb and Gabe Carimi, and Williams was originally drafted to play tackle. At the new position, Williams would push inconsistent Webb for his starting job. If the Bears’ ultimate intent is to put the five best linemen on the field, however, Williams could end up back at left guard by the end of August.

He’s also expected to be penciled in as a starter, with Lance Louis at the other guard, Gabe Carimi and J’Marcus Webb at the tackles, and Roberto Garza at center. Williams, the 14th overall pick in the 2008 draft, was coming on strong as both a pass and run blocker before the wrist injury in mid-November.

Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the wrist injury is similar to the one that sidelined Bears MLB Brian Urlacher for nearly 12 months a few years back. Williams, the 14th overall pick in the 2008 draft, was finally starting to come into his own after flopping at both tackle spots to open his career. The Bears may have to reshuffle their offensive line going forward.

Williams will undergo surgery soon. His listed backup is Edwin Williams, which would be another downgrade after Chris was coming on strong in both pass protection and run blocking. Owed just a $1 million salary in 2012, Williams is sure to return to the Bears’ roster. His timetable for recovery is unknown, however. Injuries like Williams’ can sideline players for up to 12 months.

Webb graded out as the worst full-time starting left tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, and Williams is coming on strong as both a pass and run blocker. New offensive coordinator Mike Tice recently defended the play and potential of Webb, but could look to bring in some competition in training camp. The 14th overall pick in the 2008 draft, Williams started nine games at guard before being lost for the season to a wrist injury.

The Tribune’s Brad Biggs hints that he’s just reading tea leaves, but he’s the most plugged-in reporter on the Bears beat, and there’s no way he’d be putting this out there without strong information. Webb has struggled mightily in pass protection, but OC Mike Tice seems to love him. If Tice has already decided on Webb, clearly “competitor” Chris Williams never had a real shot.

Williams, a 2008 first-round pick, has already lost out to J’Marcus Webb for the left tackle gig. But he has more value to the Bears as a versatile backup than as a trade chip. Williams will be on the hunt for a chance at a starting gig when he hits unrestricted free agency after this season.

It was an expected move, but OC Mike Tice hinted at dissatisfaction with Webb’s early play. “Like I said, nobody’s really stepped out,” Tice said. "(We’re) going to scheme. ... We’re going to make sure we’re not embarrassing anybody or hurting our quarterback.” Webb was perhaps the league’s least effective left tackle last season. Chris Williams will get the first shot at replacing him if the Bears decide they’ve seen enough.

We’ve learned to trust OC Mike Tice’s instincts up front given how little he’s had to work with, but this is a bizarre move considering Williams has been more successful inside than outside. Gabe Carimi is expected to hold down right tackle while the two guards will come from a group of Lance Louis, Chris Spencer, Chilo Rachal, and Edwin Williams. The Bears have added impressive weapons this offseason, but their O-Line remains a big concern.

The Bears are ratcheting up the pressure on LT J’Marcus Webb, who has drawn the ire of OC Mike Tice. Webb was left in for nearly the entire game in Thursday’s preseason opener. Webb’s job is very much in jeopardy, but Williams has been injury prone the past two seasons, and had little career success at tackle.