Pro Bowl Guard Kyle Long Working At Right Tackle
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- With the regular season fast approaching and the Bears in need of continuity on the offensive line, two-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long is working at right tackle.
The Bears have yet to solidify their offensive line, with Jordan Mills and Charles Leno both failing to win over the right tackle position. As a result, coach John Fox has put Long at right tackle, while considering a move of six-year veteran Vladimir Ducasse to right guard.
Where does Long want to play?
"I don't really have a preference," Long said. "I'd like to help the team wherever that is. I'm really sincere when I say that. If they ask me to play receiver, I'd be out there running routes now, practicing. It's football. It's not that complicated."
Chicago has started Mills at right tackle for 29 games over the past two seasons. However, with Mills showing struggles, Fox elected to move Leno into the position for the past two preseason games. With no solutions yet, Long is the next man up for the Bears.
Fox likes what he has seen from Long.
"I see a tremendous young player regardless of what position he plays," Fox said.
Teammates of Long see his abilities at right tackle. The move doesn't cause any reasons for concern.
Guard Matt Slauson watches how Long takes in his duties in the meeting room and admires his work ethic.
"He wants to learn everything, learn the big picture of what we're trying to accomplish as a line, which is the best way to do it," Slauson said of Long. "You don't just learn your spot, you learn the big picture of what the line, the tight ends, the backs are all trying to accomplish. That kind of makes things click."
For Long, it's fairly simple. The roles and responsibilities of right tackle are somewhat similar to that of right guard. Of course, the same goal exists.
"Honestly, you're just trying to keep somebody away from Jay Cutler," Long said. "At the end of the day, that's the assignment."
The final preseason tuneup is Thursday at Soldier Field, where the Bears host the Browns. It's likely that neither team will play its top starters, but this does provide Fox with the opportunity to evaluate the right tackle position.
Just 12 days remain until the season opener at Soldier Field, where the Bears host the division rival Packers.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.