Bears lose Henry Melton for season

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 have come to fruition, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that pass rushing defensive tackle Henry Melton has indeed torn his ACL and will be out for the remainder of the 2013 season. Melton left Sunday’s victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a left knee injury, and he had to be carted off of the field.

Earlier today, it was reported that the Bears feared that Henry Melton would be lost to the season with a torn left ACL, and that’s the diagnosis, per Schefter. Melton’s injury impact on the Chicago Bears is absolutely huge, because Melton is one of the best all-around defensive tackles in the game today. A pure three-tech, Melton is widely regarded as one of the elite interior pass rushers the NFL has to offer, and he’s also excellent in run defense. That sort of ability against the run and pass is difficult to find, and pass rushing DTs are at a premium these days.

Last season, the 26-year-old Texas product recorded a nifty six sacks to go with 43 tackles and two fumbles forced. He had a rough start to the 2013 season, but Henry Melton is a Pro Bowler and would have certainly bounced back. Again, his loss is a big one for the Bears, and they will hope that Nate Collins and the other backups can pick up the slack. While they aren’t nearly as good as Melton, those guys have looked encouraging this season, so all certainly isn’t lost for the Chicago Bears defensive line.

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