Possibly the biggest Chicago Bears job battle of training camp was decided quietly and without much fanfare Monday night when the team released its depth chart for the opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
J'Marcus Webb is the starting left tackle over Chris Williams.
Webb is the first player to start consecutive season openers at left tackle for the Bears since John Tait did it in 2006 and 2007 -- which says a lot about why the line has had trouble protecting quarterback Jay Cutler since he arrived in 2009. Frank Omiyale was the starter in 2010, Orlando Pace in 2009 and John St. Clair in 2008.
Williams and Webb had been in the same position throughout training camp and preseason, and last Tuesday, prior to the final preseason game with Cleveland, offensive coordinator Mike Tice would not say who would start or whether one player had clinched the spot. Nothing was said after the game, either.
Webb started every game last year at left tackle after playing right tackle as a rookie in 2010. Williams will become the swing tackle behind right tackle starter Gabe Carimi and Webb. The only other job battle in question had been left guard, and Chris Spencer is the starter over Chilo Rachal.
Starting nose tackle is listed as both Matt Toeaina and Stephen Paea. An ankle injury had kept Paea out of practices since after the second preseason game, but Paea practiced Monday and is expected to start, if healthy, in the opener.
Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLCHI.
