LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears placed right guard Kyle Long on injured reserve Saturday because of a tendon injury in his right foot.
The move means the NFC North-leading Bears (4-3) will be without Long for at least eight weeks.
The three-time Pro Bowl lineman was injured in the closing minutes of the Bears’ 24-10 victory over the New York Jets last weekend. Tight end Dion Sims rolled into Long while the two were blocking for Jordan Howard on a run.
Chicago visits Buffalo on Sunday. Tight end Ben Braunecker (concussion) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (knee) did not travel with the team, and star linebacker Khalil Mack (ankle) and receiver Allen Robinson (groin) are questionable.
With Long out, the Bears could move Eric Kush or rookie James Daniels from left guard, where they have shared time. Kush missed the game against the Jets because of a neck injury but is expected to play against Buffalo.
Another option at right guard is Bryan Witzmann. He signed with Chicago 3 1/2 weeks ago and made 13 starts last season for Kansas City while coach Matt Nagy was the Chiefs’ offensive co-ordinator.
The 29-year-old Long made the Pro Bowl his first three seasons after being drafted in the first round in 2013. But he missed eight games in 2016 and six last season after playing in 47 of a possible 48 from 2013 to 2015.
Nagy has said the latest injury was not the same as the severe one to his right ankle in 2016 that required surgery. Long also had operations on his shoulder, elbow and neck after he was shut down last year.
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