By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter
12:47 p.m. CDT, September 17, 2012
A week after quarterback Jay Cutler was sacked seven times, the Chicago Bears are changing up the offensive line.
But scrutinized left tackle J’Marcus Webb appears to be remaining in place right now.
Left guard Chris Spencer is not. The Bears will start Chilo Rachal at left guard on Sunday when they host the St. Louis Rams at Soldier Field. Rachal, signed to a one-year contract in the spring, made 38 starts over four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, who drafted him in the second round in 2008.
Spencer allowed one sack to Clay Matthews in the 23-10 loss at Green Bay when the outside linebacker beat the veteran cleanly inside. Spencer had to fend off a challenge from Rachal to keep the job during preseason. It was a new position for Spencer, too, as he was a center with the Seattle Seahawks before joining the team last year. He played 15 games at right guard in 2011, making 14 starts.
“This is the first time playing left guard in my career,” Rachal said. “I like it. I am naturally left-handed. I should like this position better than right.”
The Bears informed Rachal of the move on Saturday when the team gathered at Halas Hall to review game film from the loss.
“I just approached my work like I do every day,” Rachal said. “I came in and got my extra lifts in. I want to take it to another level. This is a good opportunity. I have a small window and I want to maximize this opportunity because you never know when I’ll get this chance again.”