It was a real kick to the get for the Chicago Bears when Jerrell Freeman tore his pectoral muscle in the first game of the season. Losing the captain of their defense was not going to be an easy thing to overcome. Even so there was some optimism. It was felt throughout the building that young backup Nick Kwiatkoski was more than ready and able to take his place. He started out fast against Tampa Bay, but then he too went down. With the same injury no less.
Just like that the Bears inside linebacker position was decimated. Kwiatkoski would have to join Freeman on injured reserve, leaving Danny Trevathan as the sole proven talent left at the position. Except it may not be that bad. According to head coach John Fox the team received a positive development regarding the severity of Kwiatkoski’s injury.
Good injury news for the #Bears: Nick Kwiatkoski’s pec injury is not as bad as Jerrell Freeman's. The #Bears won’t put him on IR right now.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 22, 2017
It’s likely the injury is either strain or a partial tear. If it were a complete tear like with Freeman he would be done for the year. Most likely it’s a Grade 2 injury. If so this means Kwiatkoski could be out for anywhere from 2-6 weeks. Clearly the Bears feel optimistic that it is the former otherwise they likely might’ve placed him on IR with a designation to return later this season.
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Getting him back in a few weeks is highly preferable given what he can do to help their run defense, which to this point has played quite well. More info should be available as tests reach their conclusions.
