In need of a new starting option at the left tackle spot, the Bears will have Larry Borom available for Week 9. The veteran lineman was activated from injured reserve Saturday, per a team announcement. 
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Braxton Jones is dealing with a knee injury, and will be out of the lineup tomorrow as a result. The same is also true of third-round rookie Kiran Amegadjie, who absence is due to a calf issue. With both of those left tackle candidates out of the picture, Borom’s activation has him in place to handle first-team duties during his season debut.
The former fifth-rounder suffered an ankle injury during Chicago’s preseason finale, which led to an IR-designated for return designation during roster cutdowns. That move left Borom eligible to return at some point during the campaign, and his 21-day practice window was opened last week, indicating he would be available soon. As the Bears look to compensate for Jones’ absence, Borom’s presence will be welcomed if he can fill in along the blindside on a short-term basis.
During his first two Bears campaigns, the 25-year-old saw considerable time at right tackle along with usage at both guard spots. Last year, though, he made 16 appearances (including six starts) at left tackle. During that time, Borom was charged by PFF with three sacks and 25 pressures allowed, resulting in his worst overall grade (48) to date. Improvement compared to 2023 would be welcomed by team and player, especially with a lack of healthy alternatives up front.
As a pending free agent, Borom’s showing over the coming months will of course have financial implications. The Missouri product has 39 games and 23 starts to his name, and adding to those totals could boost his stock ahead of his first trip to the open market (or increase his chances of landing a second Bears contract). If Jones and/or Amegadjie miss considerable time, Borom could have a path to a notable workload during the second half of the campaign.