Devastating injuries are an unfortunate part of the preseason, and the Chicago Bears got hit where it hurts this weekend.
According to a report from the Chicago Sun-Times, Bears center Hroniss Grasu suffered a torn ACL during a fall at practice on Saturday. The 2015 third-round pick started eight games at center for the Bears in 2015.
The team was already struggling to secure a strong starting five and likely will have to turn to Ted Larsen, a 29-year-old who started 26 games at guard for the Cardinals over the past two seasons.
While Larsen provides an adequate stop-gap solution, the Bears might also look to second-round pick Cody Whitehair as they scramble to put the pieces together.
So it goes for John Fox and Co. as they try to move forward. Over the past two offseasons, his focus has been upgrading a defense that could fit his vision. The offensive line might very well be his next major project.
Here are the other injuries we've been monitoring Sunday:
- Safety Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), offensive tackle Jason Peters (quad), defensive end Marcus Smith (concussion), wide receiver Jordan Matthews (knee) and running back Wendell Smallwood (quad) were among the players who did not practice for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee returned to practice after missing sessions last week because of a minor hamstring injury. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum (knee) took part in individual work in full pads and center Brandon Linder (groin) also returned to the field.
- Rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson (Achilles tendon) worked out with a trainer on the sideline at Washington Redskins practice.
- One of Tom Brady's favorite targets, wideout Julian Edelman, returned to Patriots practice on Sunday after he was placed on the physically unable to perform list last month.
- Redskins coach Jay Gruden said this after Sunday's practice on offensive lineman Trent Williams, "Trent went through individual, did a little bit more today. We'll gradually progress him until he's ready to roll, which is very, very close.
- Two San Francisco defensive linemen, Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, were unable to finish practice, but neither injury appeared to be serious.
- Seahawks running back Thomas Rawlspassed his physical, per the transaction wire. He is now active/off the PUP list.
- Ron Rivera said wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin's reps in practice have been limited on purpose. However, Benjamin will play Thursday night vs. Baltimore.
