The Chicago Bears made Kyle Long’s placement on injured reserve official on Monday as the three-time Pro Bowl right guard deals with a hip injury.
This is the fourth straight season that Long has landed on injured reserve. But unlike last season where he returned after eight games for the regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings and the playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Long’s season is done. And, perhaps his career in Chicago.
The Bears made the difficult decision after a bye week spent self-scouting the issues this team faces, specifically on offense. Chicago’s run game has been virtually non-existent, and it’s something that needs to be fixed.
Not that replacing Long with Ted Larsen, Rashaad Coward or Alex Bars miraculously fixes the ailing run game. It’s more than Long. But the decision to place Long on injured reserve — and end his season — shows the Bears are doing what they need to do to right the ship.
