Chicago Bears Kyle Fuller not expected to need surgery

Chicago Bears star cornerback Kyle Fuller is one of the favorites for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, but he has stiff competition from Oakland Raiders touted pass rusher Khalil Mack and St. Louis Rams extraordinary defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who was the best defensive player in college football last year while with the Pittsburgh Panthers. Fuller was impressive in his own right at Virginia Tech, and he was used more uniquely than any other draft prospect at the position. Part of that had to do with the Hokies set-up on defense, but more of it had to do with his skill-set, as Fuller is scary good at defending the run, blitzing, and being utilized in different alignments and coverage schemes; he’s incredibly physical and gifted.

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Fuller has flaunted his gifts through the first seven weeks of his rookie season with six passes defended, three picks, three fumbles forced, 33 tackles, and plenty of Charles Tillman comparisons.

He suffered two injuries in yesterday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, as he managed to break his hand and injure his hip in the same game. It’s bad news, but it isn’t quite terrible news for the Bears, because Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago reports that Fuller isn’t expected to need surgery on his hand. That could change, but Bears head coach Marc Trestman stated that his star corner doesn’t need surgery “to this point”.

Although he toughed it out through the hand injury, it was the hip ailment that caused him to exit. He could potentially play through the injuries, but it’s best for the Bears to be cautious and hold him out for as much time as he needs until he is just about 100%. Sadly, they might not be able to afford that luxury, because they are falling behind in a tight NFC North race and rely heavily upon Fuller.