Bears' Long in walking boot after reported calf strain
Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long was spotted in a walking boot after suffering a calf strain in the first practice of training camp Thursday, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Though Long's injury doesn't appear to be severe, he's reportedly expected to miss some time.
Long didn't seem too concerned about the injury in a tweet late Thursday:
I'm gonna be fine y'all. I appreciate the kind words and well wishes. Minor speed bump
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) July 29, 2016
The 27-year-old has started all but one game in three seasons since joining the Bears as a first-round pick in 2013.
He's quite easily established himself as the club's most reliable player on an otherwise shaky offensive front, so ensuring he's healthy in time for Week 1 will take precedence over any training camp or preseason reps.
First-round rookie Leonard Floyd also left practice early Thursday, but head coach John Fox later explained the linebacker's exit was due to an illness he's been battling throughout the week.