Chicago Bears: Kyle Long has a shot to suit up for playoffs

It may have been a dream a few weeks ago, but the Chicago Bears veteran guard could soon be running out onto the field for a home playoff game.

The Chicago Bears‘ season can be summed up by one word: Fun. This team has a lot of fun on and off the field. First-year head coach Matt Nagy has encouraged a positive, energetic culture within the locker room and that has translated to what many see as a brotherhood, a family.

One of the brightest and most outgoing personalities on the team, though, has been unable to join his guys on the field for all of the fun since early November.

Guard Kyle Long has been out since November 3rd with a foot injury, after getting rolled up on by teammate Jordan Howard. Long is out of his walking boot, though, and could practice soon.

You know what that means — Long isn’t far off from taking the field.

The earliest he is eligible to return is in Week 17, which is a game that could have big-time playoff implications. The Bears travel to take on the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in a matchup that could be the deciding factor in their division rival making the postseason.

The Bears may also be playing for a first-round bye week. The Los Angeles Rams still have to lose one out of two remaining games, while the Bears must win out. If that happens, the Bears finish no worse than the 2-seed.

It is safe to say that the Bears have been able to get Howard going in recent weeks, and with Long possibly back in the fold, that aspect of the offense will only get even stronger. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky knows it, too.

"“I know he’s eager to get back out there. And we’re going to be happy to have him when he’s ready for that time. I think he’ll make the offense that much better. (Chicago Sun-Times)”"

Guard Bryan Witzmann, who has had to step in due to injuries at the guard position this season, hasn’t exactly been the fill-in the Bears were looking for. By far and away, Witzmann has been the worst run-blocker out of the group up front. Our friends at Pro Football Focus have him graded as the third-worst individual player on the team overall.

Rookie James Daniels has improved this season, and had a lot to do with keeping Aaron Donald in check when the Bears defeated the Rams in primetime just a short week and a half ago. Still, having Long back up front, replacing Witzmann and knowing he has that chemistry with center Cody Whitehair, the Bears would be in a much better position.

He’s not that far away. He’s close — real close.

Now, just imagine Long running out onto Soldier Field as these 2018 Chicago Bears get set to host a playoff game. That would be quite the sight to see.