How often has KC Chiefs offensive lineman Kyle Long been injured in his career? Long has had quite a string of injuries that actually caused him to go into retirement for a full season.
Kansas City signed the former Chicago Bears guard in hopes of bolstering an offensive line that has had some struggles. Due to injuries, Long was only able to play 12 total games in his final two seasons with the Bears
Long is a solid player when healthy, but injuries suffered throughout his career have sidelined him more often than fans would probably like to see. Chiefs fans were hoping Long would be able to compete for a starting job in 2021.
Kyle Long’s outlook for the 2021 season still hopeful, yet somewhat tepid, for his comeback.
When a player takes a year or more off due to injuries and actually files retirement papers, a return is always labeled as a comeback, and Long was hoping for a rebirth with the Chiefs and a possible Super Bowl run.
Both fans and coaches were hopeful the time away from the field had given Long’s body a chance to heal so that he could fortify the Kansas City offensive line, providing more protection for the face of the franchise, Patrick Mahomes.
Kyle Long injury history:
Kyle Long fractured kneecap, June 2021
According to the NFL Network, Long is believed to have suffered a fractured kneecap. It’s believed the injury will keep the former Pro Bowl guard out of training camp, with the hope that he’ll be ready to go for the start of the season.
If Long is out for any prolonged length of time it throws a hitch into the rebuilding of the Kansas City offensive line.
Kyle Long pedal foot tear, October 2018
Long missed eight games due to a tendon injury in his right foot. This was the last in a string of injuries that caused Long to go into retirement.
Kyle Long shoulder labrum tear, December 2017
This was a reinjury of a labrum tear from 2016 that Long had attempted to play through. This time the Bears shut him down for the remainder of the season, and Long underwent shoulder surgery.
Kyle Long ankle ligament tear, November 2016
Long’s ankle was rolled up on during a game, tearing his ligament. He was played on season-ending IR, and underwent ankle surgery. The injury carried over into the first two games of 2017.
Kyle Long arm tricep strain, October 2016
A grade-2 strain in Long’s tricep forced him to miss a game in the 2016 season. A bye the following week prevented more lost game time.
Kyle Long shoulder labrum tear, August 2016
The injury to Long’s shoulder occurred in the preseason. He attempted to play through the labrum tear but had to be shut down for the season after tearing a ligament in his ankle in November.
Kyle Long leg calf strain, July 2016
Long’s calf strain was a training camp injury that only kept him out of a few practices. He was able to start in the Bears’ preseason games.
Kyle Long hip strain
A low-grade strain of Long’s hip forced him to miss a single game, but he was able to return for the Bears Week 16 game.
Kyle Long contract status:
Long signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2021 season. His current cap hit is $1.5 million.