NFL Note - Chicago Bears Long, Kyle

Sep 22, 2017 - 8:42 AM G Kyle Long (ankle) went through a full practice on Thursday (Sept. 21) for the first time since the season started, and has been in successive practices this week. He is expected to play Sunday after he had practiced Wednesday on a limited basis. How he handles practicing this many times in succession will be a key to whether he's able to play all of Sunday's game.

The Bears are in need of Long's return because right guard Josh Sitton hasn't practiced this week due to a rib injury and backup guard Tom Compton is trying to practice despite a hip injury. Long last played in a game on Nov. 13 against Tampa.

"Our medical people think he's ready, our coaches think he's ready, we'll see how much he can endure, whether we have him with any kind of a pitch count, but right now it's looking very promising," head coach John Fox said.