One of the many issues facing the Chicago Bears offense this season has been the play of the offensive line. And perhaps no lineman has struggled as much as right guard Kyle Long.
Long, who has been dealing with a hip injury this season, is reportedly heading to injured reserve, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Long, who made the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons, has struggled with injuries throughout his career. This is the fourth straight season that Long has gone on injured reserve, and he hasn’t played an entire season since 2015.
If offensive lineman Ted Larsen can’t go next week against the Saints, the Bears will likely turn to offensive lineman Rashaad Coward, who relieved Larsen, who was filling in for Long, in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bears can also turn to the practice squad in rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars, who last week turned down an opportunity to join New England’s 53-man roster to remain with the Bears.
Long restructured his contract in the offseason, which means last week’s game against the Oakland Raiders could likely be the final time Long played in a Bears uniform.
