Oct. 12--Chicago Bears running back Jacquizz Rodgers is headed for the injured reserve after he suffered a fractured arm while on the punt return team during Sunday's 18-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Rodgers, the Bears' No. 2 running back, was also a core special teams leader and a player the coaching staff quickly warmed to after he arrived on a one-year deal this spring.
"I think he's a guy who kind of surpassed probably our expectations and contributed on the field whether it was on offense or in the kicking game," Bears coach John Fox said Monday afternoon. "He's a guy who will be missed. But over time he'll get better and we'll get him back in the future."
Rodgers rushed for 41 yards on 14 attempts in the Bears' first five games. His exit should open the door for rookie Jeremy Langford to see more work out of the backfield. The Bears also signed veteran running back Antone Smith on Monday to fill Rodgers' vacated roster spot.
Smith entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the Lions in 2009 but was with the Falcons from late in the 2009 season until last month. The veteran running back was released with an injury settlement in September after suffering a hamstring injury during the preseason.
Rodgers, meanwhile, becomes the eighth bear to head to I.R. this season, now joining a list that includes center Will Montgomery, safety Ryan Mundy, running back Senorise Perry, defensive lineman Cornelius Washington, offensive lineman Jason Weaver, safety Anthony Jefferson and receiver John Chiles.
Fox had no additional updates Monday on injured linebacker Shea McClellin, who left Sunday's game in the second half with a left knee injury.
