Chris

Spencer

Primarily a center throughout his career, Spencer struggled mightily as a pass blocker last season along with the rest of Chicago’s offensive line. He focused on right guard last year, but is being counted on to take over for Chris Williams at left guard. Williams is now pushing J’Marcus Webb at left tackle.

“I’m in real good shape,” Rachal said. “I feel explosive. I can move good.” With size and athleticism well-suited to pull in OC Mike Tice’s rushing attack, Rachal is going to give LG Chris Spencer a run for the starting job this summer.

Left tackle J’Marcus Webb took the heat from Jay Cutler last Thursday night, but Spencer ends up taking the fall. Cutler was sacked seven times and was harassed into four interceptions. Rachal showed significant upside with the Niners in 2010 before losing his job to Adam Snyder in 2011.

The Bears with be without both starting guards against the Seahawks this week, forcing OT Gabe Carimi to move inside along with backup Edwin Williams. Former Cowboys C Andre Gurode has been signed for depth.

Spencer was just put back in the starting lineup for Chilo Rachal in Week 12, but he was forced to leave midway through the contest with the injury. Edwin Williams replaced Spencer at left guard. Chicago has some serious offensive line issues with RG Lance Louis tearing his ACL on Sunday, too. Spencer’s timetable for return is unclear.

It’s a foolish decision that will cost Rachal game checks, and likely punch his ticket out of town. Rachal has been ineffective all season, but got dismantled in Monday night’s loss to San Francisco. Chris Spencer is hardly an upgrade, but he shouldn’t be a demonstrable downgrade. A head-case throughout his five-year career, Rachal could be running out of chances.

He is not expected to be active for the Bears’ Week 2 visit to New Orleans. Chris Spencer replaced Louis at right guard yesterday, but it’s possible Edwin Williams will draw the start in his place against the Saints.

Spencer fractured his hand in the first quarter of Sunday’s win over the Panthers and returned after halftime in a cast. Where he’ll line up against the Lions Monday night is unclear. The Bears are scuffling to replace RT Gabe Carimi (knee). Spencer is an option only at center and guard.

It was Spencer’s first start of the year, in place of an ineffective Lance Louis. At the start of the second half, Spencer was at right guard and Louis had replaced Frank Omiyale at right tackle. The Bears are playing musical chairs on their offensive line.

With Gabe Carimi (knee) out, Omiyale has started the last two games at right tackle. But due to atrocious play, he has been benched during the game both times. Now Louis takes over and Chris Spencer returns to right guard despite concerns over a hand injury. The Bears’ pass protection can’t get any worse.