Cubs News: Jenkins on center competition, Nate Davis as a teammate |
LAKE FOREST, I.L. - Offensive lineman Teven Jenkins has dealt with some problems with injuries in his first three seasons in the NFL.
With the end of his contract approaching, Jenkins does not have time for injuries this season. “As a pro, you want to push yourself past those little things,” Jenkins said. “But, as an extra motivation in that contract year, there’s little things and bumps and bruises that you do want to keep pushing past more than you would. (You would) give it more attention as opposed to the second year.” The offensive line is already having some injury problems. There was speculation about Jenkins being injured after he exited from practice early on Sunday, Aug. 4, although he says there is no injury concern. There is also concern for guard Nate Davis, who has a history of injuries. As his teammate, Jenkins has continually made an effort to encourage Davis when he can. “Since Nate’s been here, (I’ve tried) to get close to him, and I feel like we have a good relationship, me and him, and it’s like the banter we have back and forth,” Jenkins said. “It’s life. Life’s going to knock you down a lot of times. It’s going to be rough at certain points of your life. It’s just about keeping him encouraged and having him be the best man he can be, come back whenever he can.” Throughout training camp, Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates have been competing for the starting center position. “They’re both amazing players, first of all. They’re both very smart. When they switch in and out sometimes, you can tell the ID points are still on point and everything. There’s no hesitation or sets. They do everything and I feel like it’s just good overall to have both of them in that competition,” Jenkins said. “It does matter quite a bit because (we’re) going to Buffalo. So, I heard their games are pretty loud for preseason games as well … They’re amazing fans. So, learning that silent cadence with that center’s head bob, head turns and all that stuff is very crucial not only for guards, but especially for tackles.” As an offensive line, Chicago struggled to protect the quarterback, allowing 50 sacks last season. However, they helped the Bears be one of the best running offenses in the NFL as they were second in rushing yards last season despite the lack of a main running back. The Bears addressed that gap during the offseason, acquiring running back D’Andre Swift. Jenkins has seen the running back room as a whole improve thus far during training camp. “All of our runners, very physical. They do a lot of quick jump cuts. They’re getting a lot better about pressing balls. They’re getting a lot about sticking their foot in the ground as well. They’re just right on top of double teams,” Jenkins said. “They have improved and stepped up their game that it’s also been helping us as well.”
