The Bears are dealing with a number of injury issues along the offensive line, but the unit will have a new contributor available for Week 10. Ryan Bates will be activated from injured reserve, head coach Matt Eberflus announced on Friday. 
Bates suffered shoulder and elbow injuries during his Bears debut in Week 1, and he has been on IR ever since. His absence has left Chicago without a veteran presence along the interior, something of particular significance this season given Nate Davis‘ struggles. The former high-priced free agent pickup has not lived up to expectations with the Bears, and his future beyond this season is in doubt.
The team opened Bates’ 21-day return window on October 30, so waiting until after Week 10 to activate him was an option. Instead, the team will bring him into the fold in time for Sunday’s matchup with the Patriots. Bates could step in at right guard, the position he has predominantly played during his time in the NFL. The former Bill has also seen time at left guard and center, though, versatility which could be needed in the second half of the season.
Bates is still on the books from the four-year, $17MM pact he signed in 2022 upon receiving offer sheet interest from the Bears that year. Buffalo agreed to send him to Chicago this offseason, paving the way for what could have been a full-time starting gig after not logging any first-team action in 2023. Bates did not win out a starting role during the summer, but now that he is healthy he will once again have the chance to see playing time.
Chicago will be without left tackle Braxton Jones and right tackle Darnell Wright on Sunday. Third-round rookie Kiran Amegadjie will also be unavailable, leaving the team thin on options at both tackle spots. Improved play on offense for the 4-4 Bears will be key in their bid to qualify for the playoffs, and having healthy options up front will be central to their success in that respect. Bates will look to remain available for the rest of the way as the team sorts out its ideal lineup along the line moving forward.