Bears' Long dealing with shoulder issue
An already thin Chicago Bears offensive line is working without its top player ahead of the third preseason game.
Standout guard Kyle Long has missed three consecutive practices through Tuesday due to a shoulder injury. Details on his status have been minimal, but sources told Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune that Long is dealing with a labrum issue.
As the team reportedly continues to determine the extent of the injury, and thus formulate a timeline for his return, it appears possible the lineman's Week 1 status is in question.
"It doesn't really matter what I think," Fox said when asked about Long's availability for the opener. "There are medical people involved and when he's cleared, he'll play."
Long missing any sort of time to start the regular season would, of course, be a significant loss for the Bears' offense. Starting all but one game since landing in Chicago as a 2013 first-round pick, his consistent play has earned him a Pro Bowl nod at the end of each season thus far.
The 27-year-old is back at his natural position on the interior after spending the 2015 campaign at right tackle.