Bears get a late-season boost, activate Kyle Long off injured reserve

Share

The Bears will receive a late-season boost from the return of offensive lineman Kyle Long, who was activated off injured reserve on Saturday in advance of Sunday’s season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. 

Long injured his foot in the Bears’ Week 7 win over the New York Jets, but while the Bears placed him on injured reserve in the days following that game they never ruled him out for the 2018 season. Long was in a walking boot until early last week, and participated in his first practice on Dec. 21. He participated in all three practices this week at nearly a full level, coach Matt Nagy said. 

To make room for Long on the active roster, the Bears waived quarterback Tyler Bray. 

Getting Long back for Week 17 was important for the Bears, who hoped to get him some game action before the playoffs begin next month. Nagy said Friday Long won’t necessarily be on a snap count against the Vikings, but how much he plays could be based more on how he’s feeling throughout the game (as well as what situation the Bears are facing with regard to their shot at a first-round bye, one would think). 

“Just talking to him throughout the week, I feel pretty good with him playing most of the game,” Nagy said. “But we’ve just got to kind of see if that’s where we’re at and if it is a pitch count. I think a lot of that honestly is going to be more so when you’re in the game: How’s he feeling? If he’s feeling good, keep him going. If he’s not, and when I say not, maybe it’s just between all of us talking, Hey, let’s just get him out. It’s good for him anyway you look at it.”

While Bryan Witzmann has done an admirable job filling in for Long at right guard, he’s allowing one pressure for about every 20 drop-backs, per Pro Football Focus. Long, meanwhile, allowed one pressure for every 30 drop-backs when healthy. The Bears also will get a boost from a run-blocking perspective with Long’s return. 

At a time when most teams are getting progressively less healthy, the Bears getting Long back will be a welcome addition for what the team hopes will be a deep run into the playoffs. 

“He's a dog,” outside linebacker Khalil Mack, whose locker is next to Long’s at Halas Hall, said. “He's gonna be a good addition to what's already going on offensively. Just being able to have him back is huge for us. Looking forward to seeing how he does.”

Contact Us