Bears line coach says Kyle Long’s shoulder hasn’t been an issue

Bears assistant coaches met the media Tuesday before breaking for the bye week, and they offered some insight into some of the team’s injured players.

Long’s shoulder

Offensive line coach Dave Magazu said evaluating right guard Kyle Long’s season hasn’t been difficult because his left-shoulder issue hasn’t been a problem.

“To be honest with you, we haven’t seen the shoulder issue,” Magazu said.

Long didn’t play against the Vikings because of strained triceps muscle. Magazu said he injured it during the pregame warmups in Green Bay. He was then removed in the second quarter against the Packers.

“You could see a little bit of him getting hurt because he couldn’t lock up with his arm,” Magazu said. “You could see that.”

But Magazu’s assessment of Long’s shoulder can be viewed as good news. Long hasn’t worn a brace to better secure his shoulder in any game this season.

“The shoulder thing, I think he’s been fine and hasn’t complained about it and doesn’t feel limited, so I feel we’re kind of dodging it,” Magazu said.

White’s recovery

Wide receivers coach Curtis Johnson was asked for his educated guess as to whether Kevin White will return this season. White underwent surgery three weeks ago to repair a spiral fracture in his left fibula and was placed on injured reserve.

“I think he will,” Johnson said. “I definitely think he will, just because of how that kid is and how determined he is.”

Johnson points to White’s attempt to jog off the field in third quarter against the Lions on Oct. 2 after he was injured.

“Most guys are going to lay on the field and get carted off,” Johnson said. “He thought he was getting back into the game.”

During a game-day interview on WBBM-780 AM on Oct. 16, general manager Ryan Pace said the team was “eyeballing” Week 13 against the 49ers for White’s return.

“[White] wants to play,” Johnson said. “He loves to play the game. He doesn’t want to let his teammates down. He’s texting and calling and being on them and being around.”

Fuller’s availability

Secondary coach Ed Donatell said cornerback Kyle Fuller is “absolutely” making progress physically after he was placed on IR on Sept. 27 following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in the preseason.

The Bears are allowed to activate only one player from IR, meaning there is a big decision ahead when picking between Fuller and White.

“[Fuller is] in all the meetings,” Donatell said. “He’ll take all the tests. He’s engaged — fully engaged. I’m seeing that he’ll come back. I’m not the trainer, and I’m not making those decisions, but that’s what our mindset is.”