Teven Jenkins was not on the practice field for the sixth consecutive day, but Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus shed light on his extended absence Wednesday.
Eberflus said Jenkins, a second-round pick in 2021, is at Halas Hall and working out with team trainers because of an injury, contrary to reports of a standoff that could lead to a trade. NFL Network reported Monday that the Bears were fielding calls focused on trade offers for Jenkins.
Asked again Wednesday if Jenkins’ absence is 100 percent injury-related, Eberflus replied, “Yeah.”
Eberflus said Jenkins is considered day-to-day.
Injuries have defined Jenkins’ career to this point. He began training camp as a rookie only to be shut down almost immediately with a chronic back issue. Jenkins had back surgery in mid-August 2021.
Jenkins, 24, fell out of the first round in the 2021 NFL Draft because of reported red flags with his back and core strength.
But the Bears — under the direction of since-fired general manager Ryan Pace — traded up to select Jenkins 39th overall with the idea he would be ready to start at left tackle as a rookie and released Charles Leno.
He returned to practice in November and played six games with two starts in 2021.
