Chicago Bears Roster Moves: Ryan Bates Placed on Injured Reserve

Ryan Bates, Chicago Bears' starting right guard, will miss the rest of the 2023 season due to a torn pectoral muscle.

The Chicago Bears placed starting right guard Ryan Bates on injured reserve on Tuesday, ending his season. Bates suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the Bears' Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Bates started all 17 games for the Bears in 2022 and was expected to be a key part of their offense in 2023. His injury is a major blow to the Bears, who are already without starting left guard Cody Whitehair, who is on injured reserve with a knee injury.

The Bears will likely turn to Michael Schofield to start at right guard in Bates' absence.

Schofield started 16 games for the Bears in 2021 but missed all of last season with a back injury. He has been practicing with the Bears' first team offense since the start of training camp and is expected to be ready to start in Week 3.

The Bears also have Alex Bars and Dieter Eiselen on their roster who can play guard.

Bates' injury is a significant loss for the Bears, but they have some options to replace him.

Schofield is a veteran with starting experience, and Bars and Eiselen have both shown promise in their limited opportunities.

The Bears will need one of those players to step up and fill the void left by Bates' injury.