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Chicago Bears right guard Lance Louis will miss the rest of the season because of an anterior cruciate tear in his left knee suffered Sunday, a source said.

The Bears announced Monday that Louis has been placed on the injured reserve list.

Louis suffered the injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s 28-10 win over the Vikings. Louis was blindsided by defensive end Jared Allen after quarterback Jay Cutler was picked off by Antoine Winfield.

"I thought it was a legal hit," Allen said. "He’s running to make a tackle, so I just went to block him. I never intentionally try to hurt anybody. My condolences to him and his family."

Bears coach Lovie Smith was asked Monday if he thought the play was unnecessary.

"Yes," Smith said. "I did. Jared Allen plays the game a certain way, good player in our league. But I think there are some plays, when you look at them again, you say, 'Hey, we could have done without that.'

"I think our game could do without that play. We have an injured player right now based on it. I think you could have gotten him blocked a little bit differently. That’s about all I should probably say about it."’

Losing Louis could be a devastating blow to the line considering his excellent play throughout the season. This also was the final year of Louis’ rookie contract, and he seemed destined to be rewarded for his outstanding play. He started each of the first 11 games at right guard.

The Bears could become even thinner at offensive guard pending the outcome of left guard Chris Spencer’s MRI today. Spencer banged his left knee against the Vikings and did not return on offense. He said he could have finished the game, if needed.

Gabe Carimi played guard for the first time in his life Sunday while stepping in for Louis. Edwin Williams filled in for Spencer. Center Roberto Garza played guard in the past, and recently promoted rookie James Brown is listed as a tackle and guard. But the Bears might have to sign a body or two for depth. Veteran Chilo Rachal had a meltdown after losing his starting spot to Spencer and was put on the reserve/non-football injury list for the remainder of the season.

Smith said the Bears have "options" at guard and wouldn't commit to leaving Carimi there.

The Bears stopped well short of calling Allen’s play "dirty" when asked about it after the game. Garza initially thought Louis got hit in the back but wanted to see the replay again. Carimi figured Louis suffered a concussion on the play. Allen was not penalized.

ChronicKerr wrote:I guess this is Gabe's chance to show that he can play guard

ChronicKerr wrote:Big loss IMO. He was our most consistenet o-lineman this year and was playing very well. I guess this is Gabe's chance to show that he can play guard as that's where I think he'll end up because he's not good enough to play tackle. I suppose this will certainly allow us to bring Lance back on the cheap next year as this was a contract year and the FO was already workign on an extension.

Jake0890 wrote:

ChronicKerr wrote:I guess this is Gabe's chance to show that he can play guard

I think we all know that won't happen. He's a bust.

LobosJordan wrote:Our best lineman, and that's not saying much because he's probably the 3rd or 4th best lineman in a competent O-line.