Bears have started 17 players under age 26

If there's any consolation from the rash of injuries that have crippled the Bears, it's that young players have gotten opportunities sooner than expected.

A whopping 17 players aged 25 or younger have started games for the Bears this season, including eight rookies.

“There's no substitute for playing time,” coach John Fox said. “Some of the things that have happened and may happen moving forward gives guys opportunities.”

Leading the way is rookie running back Jordan Howard, who is 10th in the league with 682 rushing yards.

“He didn't start the season as a starter,” Fox said. “But when Jeremy Langford got hurt, he got the opportunity.”

The Bears' problem is that too many players who were expected to provide depth are now starting, which leaves a shortage of quality backups.

“You want to maintain that depth,” Fox said. “You like to go through a season injury-free, but it definitely hasn't been a reality for us this season.”

Limit is one:

Cornerback Kyle Fuller (knee) is eligible to come off injured reserve for Sunday's game, but he has yet to practice. “He'll be a guy we'll evaluate,” coach John Fox said. “He's a guy we will look at on Wednesday when we come back to practice, and we will evaluate that going forward. He's eligible to practice.”

Only one player on injured reserve is permitted to return in the same season, so if Fuller is activated, it means wide receiver Kevin White (foot) will spend the rest of the season on I.R.

Surgery Part I:

Coach John Fox said right guard Kyle Long will have surgery to repair ligament damage in his right ankle next Monday.

Long, who is on injured reserve, also needs surgery on the labrum in his left shoulder.

“That would be in the distant future,” Fox said.

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