Preseason and training camp is a time for surprises when it comes to players taking over starting roles no one expected them to occupy. The Chicago Bears intend to keep Jordan Mills as their starting right tackle, but his injury and the ability of Eben Britton might change all of that.

Britton has been in the league for five season. He spent the first four years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, playing 15 games as a right tackle during his rookie season. Injuries hurt the progress of his career and also moved him to left guard, and eventually landed him with the Bears.

Last season he did play in 13 games, starting four. His main role was supposed to be backup left tackle, but Britton spent a lot of time lining up as a second tight end for blocking purposes. It doesn’t automatically make him a candidate to start, but he is in a better position that he has been for the last four years.

Britton injury problems seem to be a thing of the past. Martin, who played in all 16 games for the Bears last season in an upgraded and improved offensive line, might be slow to return from his broken foot. This leaves an opening for Britton, who lined up in different positions last season for the Bears, finding him very useful in pretty much every offensive line position. As a starter? Only if an injury helps him land that starting spot.

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