Chicago Bears center Hroniss Grasu sustained a torn ACL in his right knee and is out for the season, coach John Fox told reporters Monday.
“It’s a punch in the gut,” Fox said of the non-contact injury that Grasu sustained during Saturday’s practice.
The second-year player attempted to block downfield on a screen pass to running back Jacquizz Rodgers before immediately clutching at his right knee. Grasu was placed on the trainer’s cart and taken off the field.
Grasu, 24, started eight games during his rookie season with the Bears, who can turn to veteran Ted Larsen and 2016 second-round pick Cody Whitehair under center.
Larsen has started 10 career games at center while with Tampa Bay and Whitehair also has practiced at the position. Cornelius Edison is listed as the team’s second-string center, but he has never played an NFL game.