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CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Indications are that rookie seventh-round pick J'Marcus Webb will start at right tackle today and newcomer Edwin Williams will be the starting right guard as the Bears continue to mix things up on the offensive line.
The Tribune reported Friday that one or both young players could be headed into the starting lineup against the Panthers. That is the way the Bears lined up for most of the week during practice. It means veteran Kevin Shaffer will be the swing tackle and Williams will replace Lance Louis, a seventh-round pick from 2009, at right guard.
League sources remain confident that is what will happen. But the Bears have been allowing both players to get first-team reps in practice for some time. Offensive line coach Mike Tice wants to see how quickly the young players develop and grow.
The Bears allowed a franchise-record 10 sacks last Sunday at the Giants and even though offensive coordinator Mike Martz said to pin the blame on him, changes are expected at kickoff. Webb has gotten work already this season, substituting in for Shaffer in previous games, and Williams was used at right guard and left guard last week. Williams had been practicing at left guard prior to this past week. Louis suffered a bruised left knee against the Giants, but he was listed as having full participation during the week in practice.
It will be interesting to see how the younger players perform. But where it gets real interesting is projecting ahead to next week when left tackle Chris Williams could return from a pulled right hamstring. Williams will miss his third game today, but he spent three days last week working with trainer Bobby Slater on the side during practice. Typically, that is a precursor to a return to practice the following week. Barring a setback, Williams could play next Sunday against Seattle.
When Williams returns, what will the Bears do? Frank Omiyale could be moved back to right tackle. If Webb performs well with his opportunity, it could give the team something to think about. Omiyale looked more comfortable at the start of the season at right tackle than he did playing left guard last season. He did well in Week 3 against Green Bay at left tackle, but everyone struggled against the Giants.
The Bears have six developmental linemen on the roster with Webb, Williams, Louis and three practice squad players - James Marten, Levi Horn and Johan Asiata. The only way they're going to find out if they have building blocks for the future is to give them experience.
Webb, Williams expected to start on O-line - Chicago Breaking Sports
Thoughts? It doesn't hurt to try.