As if the Chicago Bears needed more bad news following an embarrassing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they just lost two of their best players for a while.
Per Ian Rapoport and others, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. It is assumed that this ban will take effect immediately, making him eligible to return to action on December 12 after the Bears’ game with the Detroit Lions.
Bad news continues for the #Bears: WR Alshon Jeffery suspended for the team’s next four games for violating the NFL policy on PEDs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 14, 2016
Jeffery will be the third Bears player suspended for PEDs under the John Fox regime, joining former teammates Ego Ferguson and Tayo Fabuluje.
At this point, given the Bears’ contractual issues with Jeffery—he is currently playing under a $14-million franchise tag after failing to come to long-term agreement with the team—it’s difficult to see the talented receiver back with the Bears next season.
Despite the fact that he probably cost himself a few million dollars on his next deal, he has expressed frustration throughout this season with the Bears’ offensive production, having only scored one touchdown of his own this season.
It’s hard to think that he won’t seek greener pastures with someone else, and there will no doubt be several bids for his services. But all that will have to wait until next year.
For now, Jeffery’s suspended, and his time with the Bears looks to be over.
More bad news for the #Bears: I’m told the MRI has confirmed that star OL Kyle Long is out for the season. Major loss in leadership & play.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 14, 2016
Additionally, Rapoport just broke news that Kyle Long will miss the remainder of the season due to the ankle injury he suffered during the second quarter of yesterday’s game.
Long, who had just returned to the lineup after missing Halloween night against the Minnesota Vikings, was injured after having his ankle rolled on by Paul Lasike and received an air cast got an air cast immediately before being carted off the field. Unfortunately, that was just as bad a sign as we thought it was.
While this doesn’t affect his standing with the team, as he was just locked up with a four-year deal, it’s a severe gut punch to this Bears’ team from both a talent and leadership standpoint. Ted Larsen will likely take over his spot for the remainder of the season, though Eric Kush might also get opportunities.
If there’s a level beyond rock bottom, the Bears might have just sunk to it.
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