Lake Woods – Teven Jenkins remains a Chicago Bear.
for now.
“I still say it’s up in the air,” Jenkins said Tuesday of his future with the Bears after making the 53-man roster. Even if we make a roster of, it doesn’t mean we’ll be here tomorrow.”
It’s also unclear if Jenkins staying with the Bears is good for him or the team.
Last month was a whirlwind for the 24-year-old offensive lineman.
Jenkins arrived at camp to reclaim his spot in tackles after falling to the second team during the OTA and mini-camp. A minor injury forced him out of practice for a week, during which trade rumors swirled that Bears general manager Ryan Pauls was looking to offload him.
Those rumors persisted throughout camp and preseason. did.
Since returning to practice in good health, Jenkins has been open and honest with the media about the trade rumors circulating. It’s especially refreshing honesty coming from a second-year player whose maturity has been questioned by anonymous sources in the media.
Jenkins sees no reason to hide from reality.
“Fundamentally, I’m not naive to the situation,” Jenkins said. “Admit what’s going on. Like you said, everybody knows what’s going on in the room. , you have to admit that too. Especially when it’s about your career and your life. [my fiancée] Someone who can tell you what’s going on. Her girlfriend, her brother, her father always call me about what’s going on. “
Trade rumors and the loss of his first job took a toll on Jenkins’ mental health. Every day he would come home after practice and call his agent Joel Segal to see if he had spoken to the Poles or if a trade was imminent.
Jenkins remained in limbo.
If your employer wants to fire you, it’s impossible not to be affected. Whether in a professional or personal setting, the feeling of not being needed can be corrosive. , doubly so for a highly drafted offensive tackle.
“To be honest, it made me unhappy,” said Jenkins. “I was very unhappy. Then more stories came and as it continued, I was getting more and more frustrated with hearing about them and everything.
“There have been a lot of misfortunes. A lot of conversations, a lot of relationships between me and my agents, a lot of things had to go wrong to get to where I am. Just keep calm and get started.” in preparation. “
The writing was on the wall, despite the Bears’ claims that Jenkins had returned from a minor injury and could be in contention for the starting tackle spot. Jenkins returned and ran exclusively with the second and third teams leading up to the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Returning to the football field healthy and mall-ready seemed to take a weight off Jenkins’ shoulders.
“I had to get myself back on the ground,” Jenkins said after the Bears’ preseason opener. I was able to do this. I have to believe that I can perform well.
Two days later, the Bears moved Jenkins to right guard. With Michael Scofield proving ineffective against the Chiefs, the Bears had to find answers internally. Jenkins’ high football IQ and physicality made him a natural choice for his kicks inside.
The transition occurred at warp speed. After a day of practice, Jenkins was running with them. And two days later, he started in Seattle against the Seahawks. He knew he had to grow quickly as a guard to help the Bears, putting his versatility on film for other teams to see as trade talks continued.
Another good performance at the guard in the preseason finale likely cemented Jenkins on the 53-man roster, and for now it looks like he’s earned a starting spot as Week 1 looms.
But it’s hard to put things behind. You embrace the pain when you are hurt or wrong. It’s only human. Letting go is easier said than done.
For Jenkins, he knows he needs to compartmentalize the Bears’ desire to trade him, and it speaks to his immaturity, position changes, and everything else.
As with Jenkins interior development, that process is a work in progress.
“I have to do it. It’s really hard,” Jenkins said. “I’m still scratching my head over it. I’m trying to figure out what happened. I’m looking forward to the season.”
“Just being in a movie about the 49ers. I have games to worry about and I don’t have to worry about anything in the past, so that helps me.”
Looking at the Bears’ starting offensive line in the last two preseason games, it’s easy to assume that there are five men facing the 49ers, and Lucas Patrick’s return is undecided. It’s not the feeling around the building. Things are in flux and can change that way.
The uncertainty that Jenkins has felt over the past month may continue. He knows it better than anyone.
“I’ve thought about it many times.” [if I would be here]said Jenkins. As for his future, I have no idea at the moment.After all, you can still go [be traded]Just attack every day. “
Jenkins enjoys playing right guard because he knows it’s best for his long-term future, whether in Chicago or elsewhere. The conversation will likely continue. He relies on his fiancée and his family to stabilize him during his tumultuous early career moments.
Switching to guard and being able to show off his versatility is the lifeblood of his career.
But did it help ease the unhappiness he was feeling?
“Hmm…” Jenkins lowered his voice.
He smirked and offered a look that said, “What do you think?” Carry uncertainty and misfortune with him before heading out.
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