The loss of Charles Tillman (left) is a blow to the Bears secondary. (Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports)
Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is expected to be placed on season-ending injury reserve with what could be a career-threatening triceps injury.
Tillman was in tears on the sideline at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday night, when he hurt the same triceps that kept Tillman out of eight games in 2013.
He re-signed with the Bears in the offseason and will become a free agent again in March.
Tillman has spent all 12 of his NFL seasons with the Bears, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2011 and 2012.
Chicago is likely to use rookie first-round pick Kyle Fuller and Tim Jennings in the starting lineup. Fuller had two interceptions against the 49ers.
Tillman, 33, became a free agent in March 2014 and visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former coach Lovie Smith, but he opted to stay with the Bears on a one-year deal. He turns 34 in February.
“Charles is one of the NFL’s great players and a true leader on and off the field and we’re happy he will be staying in Chicago,” Bears general manager Phil Emery said when the veteran re-signed. “He remains the best in our game at forcing turnovers and always has brought a tough, physical presence to our secondary. Charles also has a special connection to the people and community across Chicago and we’re excited for that to continue.”
Tillman was the recipient of the 2013 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Since joining the NFL in 2003, Tillman is tied for fifth in interceptions, fifth in interception return yards and tied for second in interception return touchdowns while starting 152 of 156 games played.
