Cody Whitehair says he’s ‘ready to go’ for Week 1 opener against Packers

Chicago Bears center-turned-left guard Cody Whitehair was wearing a splint on his left pinky when he met with the media Monday, but the veteran offensive lineman said it’s nothing to worry about as Sunday’s opening-day showdown against the Green Bay Packers inches closer.

“This is just for long term,” Whitehair said. “You know, trying to prevent long-term damage, but I feel good. I’m ready to go.”

Whitehair has been working out at center all offseason, but an injury to guard Teven Jenkins will force him back to the position he played in 2022 — left guard. At least, that’s the assumption right now. There’s a chance the Bears could work a different configuration up front.

Regardless of where he lines up, Whitehair will be ready.

“I was fortunate to be able to work with Braxton (Jones) all of last year, too,” Whitehair said. “So it’s kinda like just riding a bike again. I’ve been working those fits a little more before and after practice. Getting better continuity there is the biggest thing.”

Whitehair is used to bouncing between center and left guard since joining the Chicago Bears as a second-round pick in 2016. He played his first three seasons at center before getting reps at left guard in 2019. He’s been one of the most reliable players on the roster during his tenure in Chicago, starting all 107 games he’s played.

Now, it’s up to him and the rest of his offensive line teammates to set the tone early in the 2023 season. The Bears need an identity on offense, led by quarterback Justin Fields, who will only be as productive as his linemen allow.

“You want to establish that during training camp, but it kind of evolves through the first few weeks of the season. We’ll see what the identity is in a few weeks.,” Whitehair said.