Lucas

Patrick

It’s the second injury that will cost Patrick at least one game this year. He previously missed time due to a chest issue. Still playing behind an offensive line in ruins, expect Derek Carr’s favorite throw to be a check-down to Alvin Kamara this week.

Miller was brought off injured reserve after getting in three full practices this week. His absence from the lineup is puzzling to say the least. Jamaal Williams will remain the RB2 for New Orleans this week.

Patrick has primarily operated as the Saints’ left guard this year but has seen more work at center lately because of a slew of injuries to other New Orleans linemen. Patrick did not practice this week but head coach Dennis Allen said he will be a game-time called. A banged-up offensive line is not what rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler needed for his first career start.

Patrick is a seven-year veteran who has started in 54 of the 96 games he’s appeared in since entering the league as a UDFA in 2017. He spent the last two seasons with the Bears and made 15 starts in 2023. While he has ample experience at guard, Patrick has also played over 1,900 snaps at center, making him a versatile player who can be moved anywhere along the interior.

Dan Feeney has taken over under center. Within a few plays of entering the lineup, he and Justin Fields didn’t appear to be on the same page. Fields was calling for the snap as the play clock ran past zero but the ball never left Feeney’s hand. A similar issue occurred a play later, the Feeney got the snap off before Chicago took another delay of game. This will be an issue to watch out for during the second half.

Patrick has played both guard positions and center for the Bears this year. Most of his time has been spent at the guard spots, though he started at center in Week 7. Per Matt Eberflus, Sam Mustipher will take his place at center going forward.

The Bears entered camp with one of the league’s weakest offensive lines and things are now going from bad to worse. Patrick joined the Bears on a two-year, $8 million deal this offseason. He started 28 games for the Packers over the past two seasons. If Patrick is out for the start of the season, sixth-round pick Doug Kramer may be forced into a starting role as a rookie.

The deal includes $4 million fully guaranteed for 2022. A true Swiss Army Knife on the interior, Patrick was an every-game starter at guard in 2020 before shifting to center in 2021. He was not particularly great at either position, but he wasn’t a liability, either. The Bears received sub-par play at all three of their interior line positions last season. Patrick will start, it is just a matter of where.

Patrick has appeared in 39 games with six starts over the last three seasons. He’ll continue to serve as a swingman on the interior line.