Nate Davis' injury puts Bears' contingency plan into action

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — When the Bears traded for veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates back in March, they touted his versatility as a key factor in making the move.

Bates was brought in by the Bears to compete for their starting center position and also to offer depth at the two guard positions. Now one week into training camp, they're already relying upon Bates’ versatility.

Bears right guard Nate Davis suffered a “strain” during practice Saturday morning at Halas Hall and didn't participate in team drills. He's considered day-to-day, head coach Matt Eberflus said while declining to offer more details.

Davis, 27, missed six games in 2023 while dealing with a personal matter and later a knee injury. Starting left guard Teven Jenkins also missed six starts, leaving the Bears to lean on their depth in the interior offensive line.

That’s where the 27-year-old Bates comes in for the Bears. He entered training camp as the favorite to win the team’s starting center job, though Eberflus also indicated the rotation at center between Bates and Coleman Shelton was formed in part due to the uncertainty at the guard positions.

“Versatility on the offensive line is something we have now, and we didn’t have before as much,” Eberflus said. “So, the depth is crucial. Always have a pair to spare at each position, and that’s what we had today.

“Availability is everything in this league.”

Davis signed a three-year, $30-million deal with the Bears in March 2023, and the team's hope was that he would bring stability to the offensive line. After playing in 11 games last season, Davis was sidelined for part of the offseason program this summer.

As part of their plan to open training camp, the Bears had been alternating between Bates and Shelton each day at center. But the contingency plan of using Bates at guard also loomed as well.

“I’ll be ready at all times to switch positions in a pinch,” Bates said Friday.

On Saturday, Bates slid over from center to right guard. It’s unclear how long Davis will be held out of action, though the Bears certainly won’t be surprised by his inability to stay on the field.

By bringing in Bates, the Bears set up a contingency plan, one that's now being utilized as Davis' health remains uncertain.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .