Bears defensive tackle Nate Collins will miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Coach Marc Trestman said Collins is facing an eight-month recovery and that he will undergo surgery soon. He suffered the injury in the third quarter Sunday when his left knee buckled while being blocked Saints guard Jahri Evans.
Losing Collins is another big blow for the Bears defensive line. Collins had a sack against the Saints and was on for 45 plays (68 percent) before injuring his left knee.
“Minor setback for a major comeback,” Collins said on Twitter on Monday.
The Bears lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Henry Melton for the season with a torn ACL two weeks ago against the Steelers. Stephen Paea also missed the game against the Saints with a toe injury.
The Bears will look at the free-agent market again. But Corey Wootton figures to stay at defensive tackle, while Landon Cohen sees his playing time increase and rookie Zach Minter gets worked in.
