Bears Pro Bowler Kyle Long has a strained left calf

BOURBONNAIS — Three-time Pro Bowler Kyle Long has a left calf strain, coach John Fox confirmed Friday after the guard did not practice.

Long left practice Thursday and wore a walking boot on his left leg afterward. Fox wouldn’t say if he was slated for an MRI, and wouldn’t guess about a return date.

“I don’t put timeframes, because I don’t so know so I can’t tell ya,” he said. “We just take it day to day. It’s a calf strain. I know it was mentioned that he was in a boot; well, that kinda helps facilitate the healing of a calf strain.”

There’s little reason for the Bears to rush such a valuable asset back this early in the preseason, particularly with an injury that can linger if not properly handled.