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Bears Quarterback Connor Shaw Suffers Broken Leg

By Chris Emma--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Word quickly spread through the Bears' locker room, leaving teammates devastated Saturday -- reserve quarterback Connor Shaw suffered a broken leg.

Shaw had his left leg bent awkwardly on a hit against the Chiefs, leaving him unable to get up. The television broadcast didn't show a replay as a courtesy. Trainers implemented an air cast and took him off in a cart, which would then help him to an ambulance. He broke his leg, a source confirmed after the game.

Shaw later tweeted a bible verse and offered his gratitude for the support, then briefly posted another reaction before deleting the tweet.

"Injuries are a part of the game and I understand that," Shaw briefly tweeted. "This should've been avoided. No need for that type of cheap BS."

The 24-year-old Shaw was expected to have surgery on Saturday evening to repair the damage. Teammates immediately took a knee after the hit and were by his side in the aftermath of the game until the ambulance left Soldier Field.

"It's heartbreaking," Bears reserve quarterback Brian Hoyer said of Shaw after the 23-7 preseason loss to the Chiefs.

Shaw assumed the place of Hoyer, who was removed after experiencing shortness of breath from a hit to the ribs. Shaw was 5-of-6 for 68 yards and a touchdown, a 16-yard strike to receiver Cameron Meredith in which he bought time with a nifty scramble.

The Bears' offense was lifeless before Shaw had entered as the third quarterback. His place on the 53-man roster was becoming more clear. Now, his season is likely over.

"You just got to stay strong," Hoyer said. "Unfortunately, it's part of the game. Injuries happen. The thing is, he's a resilient guy. His resiliency will carry him through this."

Just one final preseason game remains for the Bears before Week 1. Shaw's injury likely indicates that David Fales will remain on the roster as the third quarterback. Last season, the Bears broke the preseason with three quarterbacks active -- Jay Cutler, Jimmy Clausen and Fales. Now, it's Hoyer serving as the backup.

What's left in question now is how the Bears handle their final preseason game. It's unlikely that Cutler -- and most key starters -- dress for the game. Hoyer is dealing with ribs soreness, according to Stacy Dales of NFL Network. The Bears are facing a short week before Thursday's contest and now are down to two healthy quarterbacks, one of whom likely won't play in Cleveland.

The Bears may be forced to add another quarterback to the depth chart. General manager Ryan Pace has many decisions to make in the coming days, with more roster cuts due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

In the aftermath of a tough defeat, many Bears had their foremost concerns with Shaw.

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

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