Chicago Bears Place Ryan Bates on Injured Reserve, Plan to Start Nate Davis at Right Guard

What does this mean for the Bears?

The Chicago Bears have placed offensive lineman Ryan Bates on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. This is a significant blow to the Bears' offensive line, as Bates has been a starter at right guard for the past two seasons. In Bates' absence, the Bears plan to start Nate Davis at right guard. Davis has started 10 games for the Bears over the past two seasons, including four starts at right guard. He is a capable replacement for Bates, but he is not as experienced or as talented. The Bears' offensive line has been a weakness for the past few seasons, and Bates' injury is only going to make things worse. The Bears will need Davis to play well in order to protect quarterback Justin Fields and open up running lanes for running back David Montgomery.

What are the implications for the Bears' offense?

The Bears' offense has struggled mightily in recent seasons, and Bates' injury is only going to make things worse. The Bears have allowed 31 sacks this season, which is the second-most in the NFL. They have also struggled to run the ball, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. Bates' injury is going to make it even more difficult for the Bears to protect Fields and open up running lanes for Montgomery. Davis is a capable replacement, but he is not as experienced or as talented as Bates. The Bears are going to need Davis to play well in order to avoid further struggles on offense.

What should fantasy football owners do?

If you own Bates in fantasy football, you should drop him immediately. He is not expected to return for at least four weeks, and there is no guarantee that he will be healthy enough to play after that. If you are looking for a replacement for Bates, Davis is a good option. He is a capable player who is expected to start for the Bears for the next few weeks. However, Davis is not a long-term solution, and you should look to upgrade at the right guard position as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The Bears' offensive line has been a weakness for the past few seasons, and Bates' injury is only going to make things worse. The Bears will need Davis to play well in order to protect Fields and open up running lanes for Montgomery. Fantasy football owners should drop Bates and look for a replacement.