Bears designate OL Ryan Bates to return

Bates now has 21 days to practice with the team before he must be added to the active roster; otherwise, he will return to injured reserve at the end of the season.

Bates signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Bears in the offseason, benefiting from a league-wide explosion in the offensive guard market. He didn’t earn the Bears’ starting right guard job beyond training camp but he played 38 snaps to start Nate Davis 18 in the first week before shoulder and elbow injuries landed Bates on injured reserve.

As a veteran, Davis made only two more starts at right guard due to a groin injury Matt Pryor he has been taking over primary snaps at the position since Week 3. Pryor started the season as the Bears’ backup right guard, allowing Bates to compete for a starting spot upon his return.

However, Chicago’s offense has improved in recent weeks, scoring over 35 points in Weeks 6 and 7 before scoring just 15 points against the Commanders in Week 8. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron could opt to stick with his current offensive line rather than shake up the unit yet again.

Starting with the left back Teven Jenkins was limited in Wednesday’s training due to a knee injury, so Bates could be a potential replacement if he quickly assimilates back into the attacking game this week.