The Chicago Bears got a pleasant surprise with the return of Kyle Long to the practice field
Earlier this week Matt Nagy suggested that Kyle Long may be able to return to the practice field soon. On Friday, Nagy mentioned he is heading back to the practice field for the first time.
Nagy did not want to get too far ahead of schedule but did mention that he looked good for his first day. He noted how it was a great first step for the former Pro Bowl guard.
Kyle Long practicing today opens a 21 day window to be activated to the roster before he would shut down for the season. Of course, knowing that there are two weeks to go in the regular season that means that he does not have to be on the roster the rest of the year, but the team will have to make a decision with Long the Friday before the first round of the playoffs.
It is a nice time table for the Bears because they can practice with Long for the next two weeks without rushing him into the lineup. Then, on that third week they can see what he looks like when practicing with the group for the playoffs.
If that aggressive practice session before the wild card round starts is too much, they can go right back to what they have with Bryan Witzmann. If Long looks like he can take the accelerated work and can jump into the lineup, it is an underrated addition before the playoffs start.
No matter what his progression over the next two weeks should be monitored.