For Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, availability — not clout, reputation, or contract situation — is the best indicator of a player’s job security.
Eberflus’s philosophy is playing out at Halas Hall this summer as multiple position battles are underway, including along the offensive line. No one is safe, even veterans who may have presumed to be handed a starting role.
One of those players is right guard Nate Davis, who signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Bears in March 2023.
Davis is assuredly an O-line talent at the level of an NFL starter, but his 11 games played last season for Chicago doesn’t impress Eberflus, nor has Davis’s unavailability for most of training camp this summer.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain on Tuesday, Davis’s job as Chicago’s starting right guard is not necessarily secure.
“It was not a full padded practice, and Davis didn’t partake in team drills,” Fishbain said about the Bears’ session on Tuesday. “Coleman Shelton was at center with Ryan Bates at right guard. Davis, whose availability was an issue last season, hasn’t been a full participant since July 26.”
“When asked about Davis needing to be back at a certain time to remain the starter, head coach Matt Eberflus said he doesn’t believe in the adage, “You can’t lose a job because of injury.”
As Chicago looks to make a splash this season with its new young talent on offense, Eberflus will be looking to offer rookie phenom Caleb Williams robust protection along the line.
Davis will need to get healthy and make himself readily available if he plans to partake in the effort.
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