The Bears are expected to put right guard Kyle Long on IR, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (Twitter link). That’s obviously disappointing news for Chicago, whose O-line has struggled mightily this year.
Of course, Long is one of the offensive lineman who has underwhelmed, so losing him might not be as big of a blow as it would have been in years past. It seems that time has taken a toll on the 30-year-old Oregon product, who hasn’t started more than nine games since 2016. He has been dealing with a hip injury this year, and it could be that the hip pain has caused his play to suffer.
Even so, he remains an intelligent veteran presence, so he will still be missed. The Bears, 3-2, have a bye this week and will be without Long for at least eight weeks. If the club is still in playoff contention at year’s end, Long could theoretically return for a postseason push. In the meantime, Rashaad Coward may get the nod in Long’s absence.
Long and the Bears agreed to a contract restructure in February that removed the 2021 season from Long’s deal, meaning he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2020 campaign. But Long was a potential cap casualty before the restructure, so he may have already played his last snap in a Bears uniform.
Trade for Washingtons disgruntled LT and move underperforming LT Leno to guard. Would give them a much needed upgrade on the line not sure they have the draft capital tho
AGAIN?????
Trade for Trent Williams and move Leno to guard
Trade for Trent Williams? What exactly? They have 2 seconds and 3 5th’s next year. Unless you want to cripple the team for 3 years trading more future first rounders. Massie and Leno are reasonably priced OT’s and can do the job. Keep the 2 2nd round picks and draft 2 OL.
Long really should of listened and accepted the shift to OT when the Bears asked him to. His Legs were his weak spot and he was constantly getting beat up inside. Probably gone after this year as his buyout number is low, or at least a candidate to be re signed at a much lower number. Maybe Backup Tackle in his future? IDK. But another talent betrayed by injuries. Sad.
Not to mention that Williams wants to leave because they misdiagnosed his BRAIN INJURY! You want to give up major capital for a guy like that? Not me. Bears have 19 million in cap space that will roll over to next year and some decisions to make. Mack’s salary is 26 million for next year and I’m almost positive will be spread some more and that number will come down a bit. Is Floyd worth 13 million? Long is 8 million if he stays, 1 million to go. I know which way I’d go, but we’ll see I guess.
They need to do something! They haven’t been able to affectively run the ball for two years, and until they can their offense will continue to struggle