Chicago Bears Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski Has Pectoral Injury, May Be Out for Season

The Chicago Bears already had to place starting inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman on injured reserve list after he sustained a pectoral injury and a concussion in their 23–17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week, but now his replacement will have to join him on the sidelines with a similar injury.

Nick Kwiatkoski left the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a pectoral injury this past Sunday, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has reported that the Bears believe he might miss the remainder of the season. It hasn't been confirmed yet, though, and he's still being evaluated.

With Freeman and Kwiatkoski out, Christian Jones is the next man up at the position. Jonathan Anderson should see significant minutes as well.

In other news, the Bears have decided to release Tanner Gentry and promote safety DeAndre Houston-Carson to the active roster. However, they are planning to re-sign him to their practice squad if he clears waivers.

"The Bears hope he clears waivers and returns to their practice squad, where he can help with their stunning lack of depth at wide receiver. Starters Cam Meredith and Kevin White are on injured reserve," Patrick Finley said in his report for the Chicago Sun-Times.

"Gentry's demotion likely bodes well for Markus Wheaton, who, after recovering from surgery on his left pinkie, could make his Bears debut Sunday against the Steelers, his former employer," he added.

The rookie wide receiver was promoted to the active roster last week after Kevin White was moved to the injured reserve list. He did not play much against the Buccaneers, and he finished the game with two passes for 27 yards on eight snaps.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer has reported that the Philadelphia Eagles tried to sign Houston-Carson before he was promoted.

The Bears also signed nose tackle Mike Purcell to the practice squad this week.