LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Hampered by a nagging shoulder problem, veteran left guard Ruben Brown on Thursday was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Since signing with the Bears as a free agent in 2004, the 6-3, 300-pounder has started all 45 games he’s played, including the last 32 straight. A respected team leader, Brown helped the Bears win back-to-back NFC North titles in 2005-06 and reach the Super Bowl last season.
“Ruben has done an awful lot for us,” said coach Lovie Smith. “We’ll miss him a lot. Hopefully he can get the shoulder taken care of and come back stronger than ever.”
Smith revealed that Brown’s injury will require surgery, but that the 35-year-old plans on returning to action in 2008 for his 14th NFL season. Brown signed a one-year deal with the Bears this past March and is due to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 campaign.
“He definitely wants to continue playing,” Smith said.
Last season, Brown was selected to his ninth career Pro Bowl and first as a member of the Bears. He had been chosen eight times in nine years while playing for the Buffalo Bills.
11-08-2007, 09:10 PM
Linear Mode
