At the very least, Chicago Bears guard Chilo Rachal is giving coaches something to think about while making a strong push to solidify a roster spot.

Considering Chris Spencer has never been a starting left guard in the NFL, it wouldn't be a stretch to believe Rachal can get consideration for Spencer's starting left guard spot based on what he does this week against the Giants" data-canon="New York Jets" data-type="SPORTS_OBJECT_TEAM" id="shortcode0">.

Rachal started 38 games over four seasons as a right guard for the 49ers, so he has more NFL guard experience than Spencer, who played center at Seattle and only a small amount of guard there until becoming a starting right guard with the Bears last year.

In the preseason opener, Spencer played a game that offensive coordinator Mike Tice labeled disappointing, based on what he was accustomed to seeing last year.

"Let's face it, Spencer bounced back this week (Week 2), but he wasn't stellar in the opener," Tice said. "So we just want to make sure that we give everybody an opportunity and at the end of the day and make sure we put the right five guys in there to go out and challenge Indianapolis (in the opener)."

Rachal does play with a mean streak that Tice likes.

"That's what I take my game after, just being a mauler," Rachal said.

At 323 pounds, Rachal has 14 pounds on Spencer and is four years younger at 26. At 6-5, he has a longer reach than 6-3 Spencer. He also puts a smaller burden on the team's pocketbook, signing for a minimum salary while Spencer is in the second year of a two-year, $6 million deal.

"He brings intensity," Tice said. "He wants to be good. He's played in a good program (USC), so he's done a lot of winning in his life."

Rachal played last week when Chris Williams went in at left tackle because the two had played alongside each other throughout camp. When J'Marcus Webb was at left tackle, Spencer played left guard. Tice is likely to use the same approach this week, so Rachal will not start Thursday against the Giants because Webb is starting at left tackle.

Slowed by an early camp injury, Rachal has made the best of better health in a push to get included in what appears to be eight offensive line roster spots.

Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLCHI.