Patrick

Mannelly

Mannelly had played in a franchise-record 215 straight games. Fullback Tyler Clutts is expected to serve as the Bears’ long-snapper in the interim, although the Bears may look outside the organization.

Hopefully the injury isn’t serious, as Mannelly has played in a franchise-record 215 consecutive games. Tyler Clutts will take over long-snapping duties if Mannelly can’t return.

Mannelly was headed toward the open market, but is now signed through 2013. Mannelly has been long-snapping for the Bears’ perennially excellent special teams since 1998, and has missed just nine games in 15 years. He’ll turn 38 in April.

Good through 2010, he must be one awesome snapper. Mannelly has appeared in 109 games in his seven seasons with the Bears.

Mannelly, 38, is scheduled for minor hip surgery soon. If he wants to continue his playing career, he’ll have a job with Chicago. Mannelly holds the franchise record games played with 245.

Mannelly, 39, snapped for the Bears all 16 years and only missed 11 games. He was originally selected in the sixth round of the 1998 draft.

A Duke alum, the 35-year-old is in his 13th season as the Bears’ deep snapper. Mannelly and C Olin Kreutz are the two longest tenured players on the roster. He was previously slated for unrestricted free agency in 2011.