The Chicago Bears are overhauling their offensive lineup this week. The shakeup began with the dismissal of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was let go after only 10 games. On Wednesday, November 30, the team also released former starting guard Nate Davis following a tough 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Davis, who had been added late to the injury report with back issues, became the fourth offensive lineman to sit out due to injury for that game. According to coach Matt Eberflus, Davis was sent home as a precaution to avoid “a guy standing on two feet with a back issue,” per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
During the Patriots game, the Bears’ offense struggled, with quarterback Caleb Williams sacked nine times as they failed to score a touchdown for the second straight match. Williams has now been sacked 38 times in nine games, the highest rate in the NFL.
The Bears had originally signed Davis on a three-year, $30 million contract ahead of the 2023 season, appointing him as the starting right guard alongside Teven Jenkins. However, Davis’ commitment in practice became a concern, escalating in his second year. His future with the team became uncertain after he was benched earlier in the season, even as injuries depleted the offensive line tasked with protecting Williams, Chicago’s prized rookie and first-overall draft pick. According to Cronin, Davis was held out as a healthy scratch against both Jacksonville and Washington, despite the team’s need for linemen.
Efforts to trade Davis before the November 5 deadline were unsuccessful, despite the Bears’ willingness to absorb part of his salary.
