Lance Louis Placed On Injured Reserve

The Chicago Bears found themselves dealing with several injured players after Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Running back Matt Forte, wide receiver Devin Hester, offensive linemen Lance Louis and Chris Spencer, and cornerback Charles Tillman all suffered game ending injuries on Sunday. Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith offered no update on any of the injured Bears during his Monday press conference. We know that Hester was diagnosed with a concussion; Tillman and Forte suffered ankle injuries; and Spencer and Louis suffered from knee injuries.

Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears guard Lance Louis (60) catches a tipped pass against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. The Bears beat the Titans 51-20. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US Presswire

Unfortunately, one of those players will be out for the remainder of the season. The Bears announced on Monday that Louis has been placed on the injury reserved list as a result from suffering a knee injury as a result of a blindsided tackle by Vikings’ defensive end Jared Allen after a interception by Jay Cutler.

Allen was quick to defend the tackle after the game.

"“I thought it was a legal hit,” Allen said. “He’s running to make a tackle, so I just went to block him. I never intentionally try to hurt anybody. My condolences to him and his family.” Chicago Tribune"

Smith did not offer the same sentiment on Monday.

"“Yes,” Smith said. “I did. Jared Allen plays the game a certain way, good player in our league. But I think there are some plays, when you look at them again, you say, ‘Hey, we could have done without that.’“I think our game could do without that play. We have an injured player right now based on it. I think you could have gotten him blocked a little bit differently. That’s about all I should probably say about it.”’ Chicago Tribune"

The loss of Louis will be a significant one for the Bears. While the Bears’ offensive line has struggled overall, Louis has performed well this season. Not only has Louis been the best offensive lineman on the Bears this season, there have been some to suggest that his performance this season is worthy of a pro-bowl selection. Gabe Carimi replaced Louis Sunday against the Vikings, and with Chris Spencer dealing with an injury, the Bears have suddenly become extremely thin at the offensive guard position.

Smith did not rule out the possibility of signing a veteran offensive guard this week, though with news of Louis’ injury, it is likely that the Bears will indeed bring in a free agent. To that end, how can you not laugh at Chilo Rachal. Rachal was placed on the restricted list after his disruptive response to being demoted from the starting lineup. Rachal, in all likelihood, would have been inserted back into the starting lineup this week in light of the injuries.