Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy left open the possibility that Kyle Long would re-join his teammates at practice on Friday, but ultimately, it didn’t happen.
Kyle Long appeared on the Bears’ official injury report for a second consecutive day and was listed as a non-participant because of an ankle injury. Earlier on Friday, Nagy expressed no concern regarding Long’s health status, even though he noted the team’s starting right guard missed practice due to soreness in his ankle. Still, Nagy seemed confident that Long would play against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. It’s possible (even likely) that the extra day between games will ultimately help Long rest up and prepare for action in prime time.
The Bears will monitor Long’s ankle throughout the year, and it’s possible that the issue will linger as we move forward. Remember, Long had his right ankle surgically repaired in 2016, but issues flared up with it at times during the 2017 season. Since we’re entering Week 2, it’s understandable if the Bears’ coaches and medical staff are hesitant to push Long harder than necessary.
Pro Football Focus graded Long as one of the best guards in Week 1, and since he is still working his way back from an offseason of surgeries, it’s smart that the Bears are playing the long game with Long’s health. The Bears will go only as far as Mitch Trubisky takes them, but I can’t see them going much of anywhere if their most accomplished offensive lineman is out of action.
Safety DeAndre Houston-Carson (forearm/back) didn’t participate in practice either, while cornerback Bryce Callahan (knee) remained limited. Tight end Daniel Brown jumped off the injury report on Thursday and was a full participant once again on Thursday. Brown had been nursing a shoulder injury that dates back to the final game of the preseason.