The Chicago Bears are used to getting bad news at this point in the season, but few stories have been as disappointing as the news involving defensive end Willie Young.
Young, who has been arguably the biggest bright spot on the team’s defense this season as he’s racked up 10 sacks and filled in admirably for Lamarr Houston, suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions, according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. The injury occurred on the Lions’ first drive of the second half, and as Young went off the field, he was unable to put any weight on his left leg.
According to Wiederer, the recovery from the surgery to repair the tendon would likely take between four and six months, so he likely wouldn’t be ready until training camp begins in late July.
Losing Young with one game left in the season may not seem like a big deal, but it’s still a big setback for a player that has established himself as a guy who will likely stick around as the Bears restructure their roster. His speed off the snap and ability to get into the backfield quickly has been a huge boon for the Bears as Houston was injured and Jared Allen got off to a sluggish start to the season, and it’s a shame to see his season end in such fashion.
