Bears LB Danny Trevathan Goes To IR With Ruptured Patellar Tendon

By Chris Emma--

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Linebacker Danny Trevathan has become the 15th Bears player to be placed on injury reserved.

Trevathan suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 27-21 loss to the Titans, coach John Fox revealed on Monday at Halas Hall. His season is over.

"Obviously, a very talented player, one that we targeted and went after," Fox said of Trevathan.

Trevathan missed two games earlier this season with a thumb injury that required surgery. He played in nine games during his first season with the Bears, recording 66 tackles in the process. Trevathan signed a four-year deal this past March as the team's prized free-agent pickup.

A key leader for the Bears, Trevathan's presence will be missed.

"It takes a hit to the locker room," defensive end Akiem Hicks said on Sunday. "You got to be able to absorb that hit. We have to get the next guy to step forward. I know that one touched me personally because that's my guy, one of the guys I came in with as a free agent, built a great relationship with. I consider that (guy) a friend. A friend first, I feel for him."

With the Bears missing Jerrell Freeman to three more games of a four-game suspension, the team will start rookie Nick Kwiatkoski and second-year player John Timu at inside linebacker.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.