Bears' Brown out for the year
Metcalf confident he can fill veteran Brown's Pro Bowl shoes
By Vaughn McClure
Tribune staff reporter
November 8, 2007, 9:59 PM CST
As Bears offensive linemen Terrence Metcalf and Ruben Brown remained after practice Wednesday watching offensive sets, Brown offered some encouraging words to his backup at left guard.
"He just told me, 'You're fine.' He told me to just go out and play football," Metcalf said.
Metcalf no doubt had a clue about the forthcoming bad news, but other Bears appeared shocked to learn Brown, a 13-year veteran and nine-time Pro Bowler, would be out for the rest of the season with a right shoulder injury. Brown had started 32 consecutive games.
"He's out for the season — no kidding?" running back Cedric Benson said. "Anytime you don't have a starter in there ... I mean, he's part of the unit. That's a big adjustment we're going to have to make."
The Bears made it official before the end of practice Thursday, with Brown placed on injured reserve and Metcalf promoted to starter for Sunday's game at Oakland. Practice-squad member Anthony Oakley, another guard, was elevated to the 53-man roster.
Brown is the third starter to be placed on IR this season, joining safety Mike Brown and defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek.
Overall, eight Bears have been placed on IR.
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Bears' Brown out for the year on ChicagoSports.com
Bears' Brown out for the year
Bears' Brown out for the year
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