On Thursday, Chicago Bears’ center Lucas Patrick had to leave practice early due to an undisclosed injury and never returned. The premature departure left several unanswered questions. On Friday, the situation received some clarity. According to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, Patrick suffered a broken thumb. Luckily, the Bears expect him to return before the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
Bears C Lucas Patrick left practice yesterday with a broken thumb, a source said, but early projection is he’s back by the opener.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) July 29, 2022
In a separate report, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune provided a silver lining, noting the timing of the injury helped avoid a worst-case scenario.
#Bears C Lucas Patrick is expected to require surgery on his right hand. This early in training camp, there is likely optimism he will be available sooner rather than later, perhaps before the season opener.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) July 29, 2022
For the Chicago Bears and Lucas Patrick, timing is everything. It appears that they may have dodged a detrimental situation. Given the question marks along the offensive line, Patrick’s presence provides the group up front with more stability.
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