Don’t worry, los niños–right guard Robert Garza’s starting job appears to be safe.

The Madden ’09 En Español cover athlete was expected to face heavy competition after a seemingly pedestrian performance in 2008. The only problem is… the Bears didn’t really see it fit to bring in any.

Of the only three other legitimate guards on the roster, Frank Omiyale and Josh Beekman are contending for the right to squat between Orlando Pace and Olin Kreutz on the left side, and Dan Buenning is, well, Dan Buenning.

Of the two men in the photograph, one is the owner of eleven identical denim jackets and has seen Tommy Boy 242 times. In 2008.

The other, however, was just busted for violation of the NFL’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances and is unable to participate in the next four games.

Guard Terrence Metcalf thus becomes the first person in recorded history to be diagnosed with steroid immunity. (more…)

It’s official: the word bolstered is thrown around way too much. So much so that it is used by the Bears’ official Web site to describe the impact the team’s acquisition of guard Dan Buenning from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will make to their offensive line.

Buenning’s career started out successfully enough. A 2005 fourth-round draft pick, he started every game at left guard as a rookie and helped enable fellow rookie Cadillac Williams’ 1,100-yard season.

But in 2006, Buenning injured his right ACL in the ninth game of the year and was placed on injured reserve. He hasn’t played since.

So, to enter back into reality: A trade for a Steve Hutchinson or an Alan Faneca can be described as bolstering. A trade for Dan Buenning can not. However, what it can do is give the team much needed insurance in case any other O-lineman decides being injured is fun, or if and when, starting left guard Josh Beekman fails epically. (more…)