The Chicago Bears are likely to put often injured Kyle Long on injured reserve. Should Alex Bars take his spot on the 53-man roster?
The Chicago Bears are looking to make the tough decision that many have been calling for the last week or longer. There have been rumblings that the Bears are likely to place Kyle Long on injured reserve. This move could mean the end of Long’s career in a Bears uniform.
Even though I agree with the move and have been one to call for his benching, it hurts to see such a beloved player to go out this way. Kyle Long has not been healthy since his third year in the NFL and his quality of play has diminished with every year. This has nothing to do with talent though. When healthy, Long is one of the best guards in the game.
With Long likely going on injured reserve, the Bears will likely turn to Rashaad Coward. I have no problem with this move as Coward looked decent against the Vikings. However, I would love to see the Bears promote Alex Bars to the 53-man roster. I was a fan of Bars coming out of Notre Dame and loved that the Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent this year.
Bars saw plenty of action in the preseason and played well. I was shocked he did not make the 53-man roster out of the gate. The Patriots must have liked what they saw out of Bars too because they tried to sign Bars off the Bears practice squad. Bars decided to stay with the Chicago Bears and Ryan Pace gave him a significant raise.
Bars is very familiar with the Chicago Bears offensive line coach too. Harry Hiestand was Bars’ offensive line coach at Notre Dame. He would have been drafted if not for an ACL injury he suffered in college. Bars looks to be fully recovered though and as I already mentioned, proved himself in the preseason.
If it were up to me, I would promote Bars after placing Long on injured reserve. I would give Coward the first chance at replacing Long because he proved himself in Week 4, but I would give him a short leash. I would have Alex Bars ready as I think he has more upside. No matter what, the team has to find a way to be better on the offensive line, especially with run blocking.