Bears tight end Zach Miller knew his leg was in danger when he was taken to a New Orleans hospital after dislocating his knee in the Bears’ game Oct. 29 against the Saints. In a video posted Friday by chicagobears.com, the team’s website, Miller said he heard his leg pop when he landed in the end zone.
When the left knee dislocated, the artery that carried blood to his lower leg was sliced. The decision by Bears staffers to go to University Medical Center probably saved his leg from amputation, Miller said.
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“I just remember telling the doc, ‘Save my leg, please,’ ” Miller said.
Miller returned to the Chicago area and was released to go home 23 days after the game. Though Miller didn’t address his long-term health in the video, his football career appears to be over.
On Friday, coach John Fox said he hopes Miller, who was happy with the results of a recent knee surgery, will visit Halas Hall soon. Running back Jordan Howard can’t wait.
“It’d mean a lot,” Howard said. “Just the inspiration because we know he’s going through a lot. He’s still thinking about us through everything he’s going through. It’d mean a lot to see him up here.”
Miller said Bears chairman George McCaskey spent the first three days with him in intensive care and then returned. McCaskey gave Miller the ball from his overturned touchdown.
“That’s football’s gonna carry a lot of weight throughout my future,” said Miller, who hasn’t watched the replay.
Three key defenders doubtful
The Bears are likely to face the Bengals on Sunday without three starting defenders. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman (hip), outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (shoulder) and safety Adrian Amos (hamstring) did not practice Friday and are doubtful.
“Part of adjusting is finding the backups and getting them schooled up to play and function in your system,” Fox said.
The Bears could play a healthy Deon Bush for Prosinski, whom they signed off the street last week, though coaches said they were pleased with Prosinski’s performance. Safety DeAndre Houston-Carson (ankle) is questionable after being limited in practice.
Bengals and flags
Fox said he has talked to his players about keeping their composure Sunday. The Bengals had 13 penalties for 173 yards Monday against the rival Steelers.
“Style of play, I think -reputation of play, those are all important -factors in games,” he said. “You know our guys are always aware of our opponent and the nuances of our opponent.”
Follow me on Twitter @patrickfinley.
Email: pfinley@suntimes.com
