The Bears lost their preseason opener 24-17 to Carolina on Friday night.
CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Not only did the Bears lose their unofficial 2013 debut to the Panthers on Friday night, but they also lost some key players along the way. It all started when veteran long snapper Patrick Mannelly suffered a rib injury in the early going. Then in the second quarter, defensive tackle Henry Melton suffered a concussion. Both players were pulled from the game and would not return. In the case of Henry Melton, he had no choice due to the NFL’s new protocol on head injuries.
Then in the second half, fullback Harvey Unga sustained a rib injury of his own and was removed from competition. All three players will be re-evaluated when the team returns to Bourbonnais over the weekend. Of course Friday’s injuries add to the list of players already making regular appearances in the trainers room.
Wide receiver Earl Bennett is still recovering from his own concussion that he sustained last week. He is still working to pass the formal four rounds of impact testing before he is cleared. Henry Melton will have to do the same. Linebacker D.J Williams is still dealing with his calf strain and is still wearing a walking boot. Offensive tackle Jonathan Scott did not dress for the game as he is still dealing with swelling and pain in his knee.
Defensive end Julius Peppers was held out of Friday’s game due to hamstring issues he was dealing with earlier in the week. While fellow defensive end Corey Wootton was also kept out of the game with a sore calf muscle. On top of that, cornerback Kelvin Hayden {hamstring} and defensive end Turk McBride {achilles} are already out with season-ending injuries.
The Bears only have six days to prepare and get healthy for their first home game of the preseason schedule. They welcome the San Diego Chargers to Solider Field next Thursday.
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