Chicago Bears defensive lineman Turk McBride is the latest NFL player to go down with a season-ending injury. The 28-year-old was carted off the field with a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Bears' official website reported Monday.
Signed to a one-year contract in March, McBride was attempting to nail down the nickel specialist role with Corey Wootton moving into the starting lineup opposite Julius Peppers.
With the ability to play both end and tackle, versatility was McBride's calling card. He was active in just 15 of 32 games with the New Orleans Saints over the past two seasons.
Although advances in Achilles surgery bode well for McBride's chances of a full recovery, he'll have to prove he's fully recovered at age 29 next offseason before another team takes a chance on him.
McBride's injury opens the door for athletic sixth-round draft pick Cornelius Washington to push for a role in subpackages this season.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
