Bears guard Kyle Long didn’t travel with the team to Tampa, and won’t play Sunday.
He is still recovering from ankle surgery; Long was injured in Week 9 of last year at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Long said Friday he was moving closer to returning and felt better than the week before, but made no promises he’d play.
“I’ve never really been through anything that required time away,” Long said..” I’ve had shoulder, knee sprains, hip flexor…I’ve had everything. But I’ve never had anything that forced surgery and forced a recovery process like this.
“It’s been a test of my character and it’s been something that’s opened my eyes to the guys around me.”
The Bears figure to start Tom Compton in his place again.
Long was the only injured Bears player to not go on the charter.
