LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- After being shifted to be the Bears’ starting center Monday, Lucas Patrick suffered another injury setback. He exited Chicago's 33-14 win at New England with a right toe injury and is undergoing further evaluation.
How long Patrick could be out remains unclear. He's still working with team doctors to determine the extent of the injury, coach Matt Eberflus said Tuesday while declining to speculate on the length of a potential absence.
“Right now, we’re still in a wait-and-see,” Eberflus said.
Patrick appeared to suffer the injury during the second quarter as his right foot was stepped on in pass protection. He limped off the field, then was carted to the visiting locker room at Gillette Stadium for further evaluation.
Patrick was the Bears' starting center Monday after rotating between both guard positions in the team’s first six games. It was part of a lineup change for the Bears that included veteran Michael Schofield starting for the first time at left guard and fourth-year center Sam Mustipher moving to the bench. Patrick had opened training camp as the Bears' starting center before suffering a hand fracture, which inhibited his ability to snap the football.
Mustipher had started 30 of the Bears’ previous 32 games at center before being benched in favor of Patrick. Mustipher played Chicago’s remaining 61 snaps on offense after Patrick left in the second quarter.
“Sam is a true pro, a consummate pro,” Eberflus said. “When we made the switch, he just went to work. Because in this business, it's one snap and you're back in. One snap and you're starting for several games, which he did. He's a tough guy, mentally and physically tough. He came in there and did a nice job for us.”
Eberflus gave the Bears an off day Tuesday following their victory. The players return to work Wednesday afternoon at Halas Hall.
The Bears will issue their first injury report of the week Wednesday following practice. Chicago (3-4) visits Dallas (5-2) on Sunday afternoon.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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