The Chicago Bears will be sweating on the fitness of offensive guard Lucas Patrick heading into the remainder of the 2022-23 NFL season. The offensive lineman exited Monday's game against the New England Patriots early with an apparent foot injury.
The Bears eventually beat the Patriots 33-14 to end their three-game losing streak, but it seems to have come at a cost. As per reports, Patrick will be out of action for at least a month with a toe injury.
Patrick got his first start at center in the game against the Patriots on Monday night. He played his previous six games of the season as a guard. However, the 29-year-old lasted only 10 snaps before exiting the game in the second quarter with a toe injury.
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Earlier on Wednesday, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus spoke to reporters and confirmed that Patrick has been placed on the injured reserve list. According to reports, Patrick will be sidelined for at least four weeks. The earliest that he could return to action would be against the New York Jets in Week 12.
This comes as a big blow for the Bears, who have three wins and four defeats this season. They will need their best players to be fit and healthy if they want to make the playoffs this season.
Lucas Patrick and Bears OL fantasy outlook
This season, Lucas Patrick has been one of the best guards for quarterback Justin Fields. In Patrick's absence, Sam Mustipher is likely to resume his role at center for the Chicago outfit.
Here's what the Bears' offensive line looks like with Patrick out injured: LT Braxton Jones, LG Michael Schofield, C Sam Mustipher, RG Teven Jenkins, RT Larry Borom.
Lucas Patrick's absence will be felt in Week 8 when Chicago squares off against the vaunted pass rush of the Dallas Cowboys. The Bears offensive line will have their work cut out for them as they go toe-to-toe with the likes of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Additionally, Bears wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Dante Pettis will have a tough time getting open against Trevon Diggs and Anthony Brown.
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