Julius Peppers Injury: Chicago Bears’ DE Has a Sprained MCL in His Left Knee
Published by Jake Perper on October 12, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, Bears defensive end Julius Peppers sprained the MCL (medial collateral ligament) in his left knee in the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions, 24-13.
Peppers’ injury occurred near the end of the first quarter. He seemed to plant his foot wrong while trying to get around Lions tackle Jeff Backus and proceeded to limp off the field.
He went to the locker room for a brief moment, but quickly came back on the field. He didn’t look to be at full strength and the Lions did a good job at containing him throughout the game.
The play following Peppers’ exit from the game, the Lions were able to hit WR Calvin Johnson for a 73-yard touchdown. Peppers is clearly an asset to this Bears defense.
Nick Reed was the only other active pass-rushing defensive end behind him on Monday night. Second-year end Corey Wootton is out with a broken hand, but Henry Melton could be an option moving forward at defensive end if needed.
Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune, who broke the story says, “The severity of Peppers’ MCL sprain is unclear, but not believed to be serious.”
It’s good news that his injury isn’t that serious. The Bears need an effective pass rush and without him they could be even worse.
Peppers hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday night’s matchup against the Vikings, expect Lovie Smith to keep it a mystery all week long.
Peppers will likely be out there Sunday night, but the Bears need to make some moves just in case he can’t go or last the entire game.
Other Injury News
DT Matt Toeaina, who went out with a knee injury in the fourth quarter Monday night, is expected to be OK. He was scheduled to have an MRI on his knee, which is said to be sprained.
It’s believed his injury doesn’t appear to be to serious. Toeaina has been steady on the defensive line, but like the rest of the players out there, they haven’t played up to par.
With only nine sacks all season, the Bears’ defensive line needs to provide the pass rush in order have the proper success on defense.
The Bears defense needs to get back to the basics, Toeaina and Peppers are players needed on the field for this unit to be effective.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. He is also the Chicago Bears writer for NFLTouchdown.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker for up-to-the-minute news about the Bears.
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