Dec. 22--Chicago Bears defensive end Willie Young tore the Achilles tendon in his left foot during Sunday afternoon's 20-14 loss to the Detroit Lions, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Young will need surgery on the injury, an unfortunate setback that will end the defensive end's breakthrough year.
Young suffered the injury early in Sunday's second half and could not put weight on his left leg as he was helped off the field. He was later carted off the sidelines and back toward the Bears' locker room for further examination.
Young, who signed a three-year, $9 million deal with the Bears last March, had been a major spark on the defensive line, leading the team with 10 sacks.
Young was in a walking boot in the Bears' locker room after Sunday's loss but playfully avoided all questions about his injury.
"If it's on my left side of my body, don't ask about it," he said. "... (The right side of my body) feels like a million bucks."
Recovery time after surgery for a torn Achilles is usually in the ballpark of four to six months, meaning Young's rehabilitation, in a normal scenario, would push him toward being ready for the start of training camp in July. Still, it's the latest wave of bad news for a Bears team that has been overcome with such setbacks this season.
dwiederer@tribpub.com
Twitter @danwiederer
