Bears HC Matt Eberflus not ruling out shuffling Lucas Patrick around the O-line

When the Chicago Bears signed free agent Lucas Patrick in mid-March, the expectation was he’d be the team’s starting center.

But the 29-year-old offensive lineman broke the thumb on his snapping hand two days into training camp and he’s been watching from the sidelines ever since. He did, however, return to practice this week after a month of wearing a cast, something he’s not unfamiliar with.

“I’ve done it before in my career,” Patrick said, via NBC Sports Chicago. “My rookie year coming out, broke my hand, played all camp with that, early on in my career in Green Bay, played with a club later in the season. So, nothing new for me.”

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus didn’t rule out shuffling Patrick around the offensive line for Chicago’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

“[I’m watching] how he’s moving around, his conditioning level, where he’s at,” Eberflus told reporters. “He can certainly function at a bunch of different spots for us. So, we’re looking at all those. … We’re looking at [him at both center and guard].”

Patrick should dress on Sunday as he’s no longer listed on Chicago’s injury report. It was reported earlier this week that he had been taking reps at guard with Teven Jenkins working as his backup — a likely sign that Jenkins may not be ready to play Week 1.

Patrick has played all three interior spots on the offensive line over the course of his six-year career. He’s appeared in 73 games, including 34 starts — all with the Green Bay Packers. Patrick has played 900 or more offensive snaps each of the last two seasons, including 911 snaps last season. He allowed just one sack in 2021.