LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins came to a crossroads on Aug. 18, 2023.
It was the day after the Bears had concluded two days of joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old could tell something felt off when he went through a series of workouts with trainers one day before Chicago’s preseason game at Indianapolis.
That moment marked the end of a promising offseason for Jenkins, who had been thriving at left guard since making the switch from right guard ahead of OTAs. A calf injury forced Jenkins to start the season on injured reserve and miss Chicago’s first four games, all of which were losses.