Bears C Lucas Patrick suffers hand injury, surgery required

The Chicago Bears suffered their first major injury of training camp with starting center Lucas Patrick.

Patrick exited practice Thursday with a hand injury that will require surgery. His timetable for recovery is unclear, but there’s optimism he’ll be back before the start of the regular season.

#Bears C Lucas Patrick is expected to require surgery on his right hand. This early in training camp, there is likely optimism he will be available sooner rather than later, perhaps before the season opener.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) July 29, 2022

Patrick’s injury opens the door for first-team reps for rookie Doug Kramer. Last year’s starter, Sam Mustipher, will get a long look too.

The Chicago Bears signed Lucas Patrick to a two-year, $8 million contract in free agency. Patrick spent the first five years of his career with the Green Bay Packers.

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