Coach's Big Decision: Managing O-line

November, 24, 2012
11/24/12
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Chris Spencer
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesChris Spencer will get another chance to start on the Bears offensive line against Minnesota.
A tenuous situation on the offensive line became potentially more unstable when the Chicago Bears made the decision to make changes at left guard and right tackle after last week’s debacle against the San Francisco 49ers. So the club needs to put contingency plans in place just in case the new group struggles early on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

By placing former starting left guard Chilo Rachal on the non-football injury list, the Bears eliminated one option up front as they now won’t be able to turn to him if his replacement, Chris Spencer, can’t get the job done.

Edwin Williams is an option at the guard position, and the club could always turn back to Gabe Carimi if his replacement, Jonathan Scott, doesn’t perform at right tackle. The only other option at right tackle is James Brown, who was just promoted from the practice squad. His inexperience definitely diminishes the likelihood of the Bears putting him into action.

At left tackle, the Bears don’t seem to have any options outside of J’Marcus Webb, who gave up three sacks in his last outing.

So while the Bears need to make contingency plans for the prospect of the new-look offensive line faltering, there aren’t many options at the team’s disposal.

Michael C. Wright | email

Chicago Bears beat reporter
Wright joined ESPNChicago in April 2010 after spending the previous four seasons covering the Jaguars. He also covered the Redskins for two seasons. A native Texan, Wright was a four-year football letterman at West Texas A&M University.

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