The Bears have placed defensive lineman Ego Ferguson on the season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter). Earlier today, the team presumably signed a replacement in defensive tackle Bruce Gaston.
The 2014 second-round pick had been trying to battle through the knee injury for the past month, according to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times (via Twitter). The former LSU standout appeared in 16 games during his rookie campaign, compiling 23 tackles and a pair of sacks. He had appeared in four games this season, including his first NFL start, but he only compiled four tackles in limited snaps.
Gaston was plunked off the Packers practice squad this morning to add reinforcement to a depleted defensive line. Besides Ferguson, both Will Sutton and Jeremiah Ratliff are currently struggling through injuries. An undrafted free agent in 2014, Gaston has also spent time with the Patriots, Cardinals and Dolphins.