Gabe

Carimi

The upshot is that the injury is not as serious as originally believed. Carimi did no significant damage to his ligaments. Though the injury is rare, Carimi had the same ailment in his college career at Wisconsin. Doctors tell ESPN Chicago that this is still a 4-6 week injury.

Carimi did not return to Sunday’s loss after departing in the second quarter. An extended absence for the Bears’ first-round pick would be awful news for an offensive line that has allowed a league-high 11 sacks through two weeks.

Coach Lovie Smith’s Monday update was a “sprain,” but that’s what coaches always call knee injuries before tests are taken. Dislocated knees are rare, and it’s unclear if Carimi will need surgery. Regardless, it’s a major blow to a Bears offensive line that has made no strides in pass protection since last year. Carimi gave up a sack in Week 1, but was Chicago’s best all-around lineman in Week 2.

On Wednesday the Chicago Sun Times reported the Bears would be “fortunate” to have Carimi back before midseason, so today’s news is highly encouraging. The rookie right tackle suffered a subluxation of the right kneecap in Week 2 against the Saints. Frank Omiyale - Carimi’s replacement - is a big liability in protection.

Beat writer Sean Jensen notes that if Carimi can’t get back this week, the Bears may choose to simply hold him out through the Week 8 bye. As a national audience saw last night, the Bears’ line is in absolute shambles. RT Frank Omiyale can’t make it through a game without being benched, and Lance Louis is a turnstile. It’s hard to trust any member of the Bears’ passing attack in fantasy football.

“I don’t want to picture it that we are looking for a left tackle,” Smith said. “We feel comfortable with (J’Marcus Webb and Gabe Carimi). We like what we have right now for what we’re going to do with them.” The Bears have yet to schedule any free agent visits with linemen and are not expected to target a tackle with the No. 19 pick in the draft. Pro Football Focus graded Webb 67th among 76 NFL offensive tackles in 2011, and 65th in pass blocking.

Carimi underwent two knee surgeries last year after dislocating his kneecap in Week 2. The former Wisconsin Badger also had knee issues in college. “I’m feeling really good,” he said. “They’re saying another couple of weeks and I’ll be here for [OTAs] and minicamps. I’m just champing at the bit to get back.”

Smith did confirm that was his “hope,” however. Carimi was given a four-month recovery timetable after December surgery to “repair connective tissue around his patella and MCL,” so Smith’s “hope” might not be all that realistic. The Bears do expect Carimi to be 100 percent for training camp.

Smith was unsure a month ago if Carimi would be ready for OTAs. While Smith insists he’s “comfortable” with Carimi at right tackle and J’Marcus Webb at left tackle, the Bears may still look to upgrade early in the draft. Webb surrendered a league-high 14 sacks in 2011.

Carimi hasn’t played since Week 2, but the Bears’ offensive line is coming together nicely. Lance Louis has stepped in at right tackle and they have gone to max protections in an effort to keep Jay Cutler upright. Cutler wasn’t sacked a single time in Monday’s win over the Eagles.