PHOENIX — The Bears have formally activated offensive lineman Larry Borom off injured reserve, the team announced on Saturday afternoon.

Now they’re expected to insert him directly into the starting lineup.

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That became necessary when starting left tackle Braxton Jones was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the host Arizona Cardinals with a knee injury. Backup Kiran Amegadjie (calf) is also unavailable, meaning the Bears need Borom to step up.

The fourth-year veteran is capable of doing so, with 23 starts to his credit over three seasons. He primarily worked on the right side but is capable of playing both. The Bears have confidence in someone they drafted in the fifth round back in 2021 and expected to be a swing tackle to start the 2024 season. Borom suffered an ankle injury in the preseason finale and was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.

“Larry has done an unbelievable job first of all when he was injured – it goes back to the preseason when that happens – of staying connected, staying involved, staying up to date with the scheme,” offensive coordinator Shane Waldron said. “He’s worked his butt off to get back healthy through that rehab and gets a chance to get back on the practice field. This is a guy who’s played games and played at a high level. His readiness from a mental standpoint is right there. Physical standpoint right there. We have all the trust in the world of him playing and playing at a high level in the game.”

The team opened his 21-day practice window on Oct. 23, providing time to ramp up and prepare for this assignment.

As a note, there is no corresponding move for the Borom activation, with the roster previously at 52 after Bill Murray (pectoral) was placed on injured reserve.

In addition, the Bears have designated offensive lineman Jake Curhan and defensive back Reddy Steward as practice squad elevations. It’s the first such elevation for both players.