The Chicago Bears are fearing more than old man winter, heading into the final stretch of the NFL season. Their offense is in disarray, their defense is crumbling and the losses are becoming as common as sand on beaches.

The ongoing rash of injuries that has prevented the Bears from establishing any continuity this season lingers with All-Pro guard Kyle Long. Long underwent ligament repair surgery for the high ankle sprain he suffered against the Bucs, removing any hope that he would bounce back like he has all season. When he suffered a labrum tear in August, he played through. When he suffered a triceps strain in Week 7, he came back. Just when it seemed like there wasn’t an injury that could sideline him, a simple roll-up by his own player proved to be the final curtain call for Long.

Dr. Kenneth G. Swan, Jr., our sports medicine specialist, also serves as team physician for Woodbridge Township School District and Perth Amboy public schools. Dr. Swan discusses the surgical intervention for high ankle sprains like the one Kyle Long suffered. He also talks about treatment and return-to-play prognosis on WFAN Sports Radio.

We have partnered with WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM to bring you the weekly Football Injury Update, a recap of the top injuries across the NFL with our doctors providing their expert medical opinion on the injury, treatment options and prognosis to return to the field of play. The Football Injury Update will air each Thursday and Friday on Mike Francesa’s show between 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.