Bears Will Be Cautious With Kyle Long's Calf Strain

By Chris Emma--

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) -- Always a fierce competitor, Bears guard Kyle Long was furious when he felt pain in his calf during Day 1 of training camp Thursday.

Long slammed his helmet down in frustration. Several hours later, he walked to the cafeteria at Olivet Nazarene with a walking boot on his left foot. Bears coach John Fox confirmed Friday that the three-time Pro Bowler indeed suffered a calf strain.

So begins the precautionary measures in working long back, beginning with the protective boot.

"I don't put time frames (on injuries), because I don't know," Fox said when asked for details on Long's injury. "So, I can't tell you. We just say day-to-day. It's a calf strain."

Long underwent an MRI on Friday, which confirmed that the injury is indeed a minor strain and "not serious," according to multiple sources.

The Bears will be extra cautious in working Long back from the injury. Long's timetable for a return will likely be evaluated week-to-week as opposed to day-to-day.

Last training camp, Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery suffered a calf strain in a fluke manner prior to the team's first preseason game. Jeffery was working in scout team when he felt a tweak. He would miss several weeks but returned for the regular-season opener in Week 1.

Should Long's injury linger into the preseason slate, the Bears could -- and probably should -- hold him out of action until the strain is deemed to be 100 percent.

Surely, the Bears would prefer to have a starting five for the offensive line ready during the preseason, but they won't dare to risk Long back.

Veteran Ted Larsen brings key experience and versatility that can serve the Bears well during Long's absence.

The Bears take the field Saturday for their first physical padded practice. Long would love to be on the field, but he won't return until that calf is completely ready.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.