Chicago Bears lose defensive tackle Henry Melton in first quarter

Dec. 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is hit by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) in the backfield in the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bears suffered an injury in the first quarter of their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, losing defensive tackle Henry Melton after getting a potential concussion.

From Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago:

"Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton left Friday night’s preseason game in the first quarter to be evaluated for a possible concussion, the team announced.Melton suffered a minor injury in practice on Wednesday but still in the starting lineup when the Bears took the field against the Carolina Panthers."

Melton has played in three seasons with the Bears. He had 44 combined tackles (32 solo), two forced fumbles, and six sacks (one shy of his career-high seven in 2011). He also made the Pro Bowl last season.

The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive tackle has only missed three games in his career with the Bears.

Melton was a fourth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and played for the University of Texas prior to that. He had 29 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks when he started during his senior season.

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