The Chicago Bears will start Matt Pryor at right guard over Nate Davis in Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, according to reports from Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
This change in the offensive line lineup comes as the Bears seek to improve their protection and overall offensive performance after struggling to gain their footing over the first two games of the season.
Reasons Behind the Decision
The decision to start Pryor appears to be multifaceted. There are indications that Davis may have aggravated a groin injury during practice, potentially necessitating the change, as was noted in a follow-up post on X from Brad Biggs.
However, some performance considerations may also be at play here. The Bears offensive line has allowed nine sacks through the first two weeks of the season, a statistic that has raised some significant concerns about their pass protection.
Head coach Matt Eberflus has recently expressed confidence in Pryor's abilities. Speaking to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago, Eberflus said, "We really see improvement in him...Super excited for him if he's working in there with Nate or whatever that might be; we'll see in terms of getting closer to the game, but he's really had a good work week."
Nate Davis' Situation
This change raises questions about Nate Davis' future role with the team. Davis, who signed a 3-year, $30 million contract in March 2023, has faced challenges, particularly during the second half of the game last week against the Houston Texans.
The Bears' willingness to make this change, if it is not solely due to Davis's questionable status, could potentially demonstrate their commitment to fielding the most effective lineup possible, regardless of contract status.
What Pryor Brings to the Line
At 6'7" and over 330 pounds, Pryor brings significant size to the Bears' offensive line. While his pass blocking has been a point of discussion, his physical presence could potentially help shore up the middle of the line, which has been a weak point for the Bears thus far this season.
Here is some great analysis of what Pryor brings to the table from Bears On Tap Analyst Quinten Krzysko.
What's On Tap for the Chicago Bears
The Bears' decision to start Pryor over Davis could be more than just a personnel change; it's a strategic move that could impact the team's offense moving forward. As the Bears prepare to face the Colts, plenty of eyes will be on how this reported adjustment affects their offensive line performance and, by extension, the effectiveness of their entire offense.
Should reports ring true, this game presents an opportunity for Pryor to prove his worth and cement his place in the starting lineup and for the Bears. The outcome of Sunday's game could have significant implications for both Pryor's career and the Bears' approach to their offensive line for the remainder of the season.
The Chicago Bears will take on the Indianapolis Colts at 12:00 p.m. CT on Sunday. Here are all the details on how to tune in to the action.
