TAMPA, Fla. -- Chicago Bears Pro Bowl right guard Kyle Long was carted off the field with a right ankle injury in the second quarter of Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and didn't return.
Long was injured on a second-and-goal play from the 7-yard line when quarterback Jay Cutler pitched the ball to fullback Paul Lasike, who ran up the middle for short 3-yard gain.
Long did not get up after the play as trainers and doctors rushed onto the field. Chicago's medical staff eventually placed a brace on Long's right leg before they placed him on the cart. Several of Long's teammates attempted to encourage and console him before he went back to the locker room.
After the game, coach John Fox said, "All these ankle injuries have been at minimum high ankle sprains. But, you know, like I said, I'm not a doctor and we'll get more information as we go."
"It's tough," said Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. "He has had a bunch of injuries to one side of his body and now the lower half takes a hit too. Not sure of the diagnosis - if there is a chance for him to come back he's a guy that can make it happen. If not, he's going to be a hard guy to replace."
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Long had played injured all year. He tore his left labrum in the preseason, and then he suffered a triceps strain that kept him out of the Bears' Week 8 victory over Minnesota.
One of Chicago's team leaders, Long signed a lucrative four-year contract extension prior to the beginning of the regular season.
The Bears also lost starting right tackle Bobby Massie, who was ruled out with a concussion.