Chicago Bears Henry Melton tears ACL. Recovery timetable set

Sep 22, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) is carted off the field after being injured against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Bears won the game, 40-23. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago bears’ worst fears were recognized today, as they lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Henry Melton for the entire 2013 NFL season. Melton suffered the injury late last night during an impressive win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the 3-0 Bears will now have to press-on without one of their best defenders.

However, Melton’s tear shouldn’t kee p him out of the beginning of the 2014 season:

His agent ---> MT @JordanWoy: Bears Henry Melton does have ACL. Dr say recovery time next May/June. He will be ready for off season, TC etc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2013

If that turns out to be true, than Melton should once again be one of the top free agents this offseason.

After becoming a free agent this past offseason, the Bears slapped the franchise tag on him, so he’ll be an unrestricted free agent once again in 2014, assuming the Bears don’t use the tag on him again.

Hopefully, he gets back to 100% and gets paid a fair deal next year by someone.

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