It's great to have football back, but the injuries return just as quickly. Eric Ebron went down with what was reported as an Achilles injury, but early reports are cautiously optimistic. That's not the case for Bears center Hroniss Grasu.
Grasu's not a big name, but he was being counted on to lock down the starting center position. Chicago has a quality guard duo in Kyle Long and (they hope) second-rounder Cody Whitehair, but a void at left tackle (Charles Leno). This is a John Fox team that rather quietly likes to run the ball; last year only five teams had more rushing attempts than Chicago.
But Grasu tore his ACL at last night's scrimmage and is out for the year. Chicago could shift Whitehair inside, or look to veteran guard Ted Larsen, but either decision would have a player playing out of position (and weaken the guard spot).
As for Ebron, initial reports after he went down were bad; Achilles injuries are typically season-enders. He was apparently joking around with teammates after the game, so maybe he'll be OK; we'll find out today.
Detroit's other options at tight end are minimal. Brandon Pettigrew is on the PUP list with an injury. Other names are just guys; blockers and journeymen like Matthew Mulligan. Undrafted free agent Cole Wick, who was mentioned as a candidate to push Ebron a while back, might find himself in the starting lineup.
These injuries come before the exhibition games have even started. That changes tonight when Colts-Packers kicks off. Don't expect to see Andrew Luck or Aaron Rodgers. Do expect to see someone crumple to the turf with an injury.
--Andy Richardson
