LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy said he’s “cautiously optimistic” that right guard Kyle Long will come off injured reserve and play again this year, perhaps as early as Sunday’s regular season finale at Minnesota, or in the postseason, where the Bears currently hold the No. 3 seed in the NFC.
Long was placed on injured reserve with a right foot injury on Nov. 3, making him eligible to return against the Vikings in Week 17. The Bears are also –presently – scheduled to host a playoff game the following week, but a victory over the Vikings and a Rams loss to the 49ers would give the Bears a first-round bye and the chance to host the Divisional round at Soldier Field.