NEWSLETTER
Kyle Long’s offseason has begun with successful surgery:
Crushed surgery today. Important procedure that will lead to much relief And success. Great doctors @NorthShoreWeb 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/4N5sTLmKpg
— kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Long had neck surgery on Tuesday, according to Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune. It is the latest surgery for the three-time Pro Bowl lineman, who underwent ankle surgery that ended his 2016 season, kept him out of the preseason, and lingered into the regular season.
It’s also the latest setback in what has been a year where Long has been ravaged by injuries. If you’ll recall, Long toughed it out and was playing through at least five known injuries – though, the neck injury is a new one for the list. Still, simply reading through the list of ailments serves as a reminder of how brutal football can be to one’s body.
Long has finished each of the last two seasons on injured reserve. The Bears placed him on IR in November after he “jacked up up his shoulder pretty good.” Long was already playing through a torn labrum injury that dates back to 2016.
Long played 10 games (nine starts) and earned a 73.0 grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranks 28th among the site’s 79 guards. It is his lowest grade from PFF in five seasons. It’s quite possible (if not, probable) Long’s mounting injuries kept him from performing at his best. That Long played through what he did is a testament to his toughness and commitment to his team and teammates.
The 29-year-old fifth-year Bear took to Twitter and shared some post-surgery thoughts:
First three years I played every game except for one or two. I switched positions to help team in third year (also wanted a challenge) learned a lot about OL switching positions
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Fourth year, back to guard… healthy, dominant and improving on a daily basis. Tore my labrum in preseason. Opted to play the year and be there for my team – plan was to fix after season
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Late in the fourth year I got rolled up in the pile and mangled my ankle. Surgery and rehab needed… no time for shoulder.
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Fifth year coming in I was no where near 100% and I did what I could to play and help our young team. As year went on (as a result of shoulder) things happened in proximity of shoulder that were unfortunate. Neck became an issue.
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Now is time for me to fix myself. Wanted you guys to hear it from me. I’m very excited about what the future holds for this team, and I’m jacked up about being healthy again
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Long turned 29 earlier in December and is under contract through 2021.
