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Put simply, a bad situation on the left side of the Bears’ offensive line just keeps getting worse. “It’s more than just a mess,” one longtime team insider said. “It’s a very serious problem.” The problem started on July 24 when first-round draft pick Chris Williams, widely assumed to be the team's starting left tackle heading into training camp, was unable to practice due to back spasms that have kept him sidelined ever since. The cause of Williams' back spasms, it was revealed Thursday, was a herniated lumbar disc in his lower spine, for which the rookie underwent surgery earlier in the day. The problem has intensified with Terrence Metcalf — widely assumed to be the starting left guard — out indefinitely after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday. The situation at Metcalf’s position perhaps wouldn’t be so guarded if versatile John St. Clair were available to step in, but St. Clair has been forced to play in Williams' spot. In light of Williams' surgery, St. Clair will be the starting left tackle in Week One and beyond, barring a significant roster move. The situation will become a lot less grave if either journeyman Anthony Oakley or second-year pro Josh Beekman can rise to the occasion in Metcalf’s absence, but heading into the Bears’ preseason opener Thursday evening, neither player had offered much reason for optimism, according to our sources.
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