Among the many problems that have plagued the Bears this season is an inability to keep the same offensive line together for long stretches because of injuries.
Left tackle Jermon Bushrod has missed two games, left guard Matt Slauson is on injured reserve, center Roberto Garza has missed four games and right tackle Jordan Mills has been out the last two games, leaving right guard Kyle Long as the only player to start every game. More shuffling is coming.
Brian de la Puente, who played center when Garza was out and has been at left guard for the last two weeks, is headed to injured reserve because of an ankle injury. Michael Ola, who has been filling in for Mills, is expected to step in for de la Puente with Mills on track to return to the lineup against the Lions on Thursday.
The Bears signed de la Puente before the start of this season and he can become a free agent next year if the Bears don’t re-sign him before the market opens.
Defensive tackle Brandon Dunn has been promoted from the practice squad to bring the roster back to 53 players.