Bears put Kyle Long on injured reserve

Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images Bears guard Kyle Long waves to fans after a preseason game against the Titans.The Bears placed guard Kyle Long on injured reserve Tuesday, officially creating an opening on an offensive line that has struggled to block on run plays this season.

Long had been dealing with a hip injury that forced him to miss the Vikings win. He returned for the Raiders loss, playing every snap.

The Bears have three candidates to replace Long — veteran Ted Larsen, third-year converted defensive lineman Rashaad Coward and rookie Alex Bars. A Notre Dame alum who played for current Bears offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, Bars is on the practice squad. It appears he’ll stay…