Chicago Bears Place Charles Tillman on IR, Cutler Diagnosed with High Ankle Sprain

Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) catches a pass against Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears defense will be missing their usual punch for the next 8 weeks, as Charles Tillman has been placed on Injured Reserve with a designation to return after suffering a triceps injury.

It’s another devastating blow for a defense that has suffered through a number of high profile season ending injuries.  This comes with Pro Bowler Henry Melton OFS with a torn ACL, his backup Nick Collins also out with a torn ACL and Lance Briggs recovering from a fractured shoulder.

Tillman left the Lions game early with what appeared to be a wrist injury, but returned to action for most of the game.  He had a rough game against Calvin Johnson, who scored a pair of TD’s against a hobbled Tillman.  By designating Tillman for return, he can return to practice in 6 weeks and return to action in 8 weeks, so unless the Bears make the postseason, we could have seen the last of Charles Tillman in a Bears uniform.  His contract expires after this season.  Zack Bowman will be pressed into action to fill in.