Chicago Bears' Gabe Carimi Placed on Injured Reserve; Meet Edwin Williams

Gabe Carimi is out. 

The rookie tackle was placed on injured reserve today after missing the last six weeks with a knee injury. 

That means two of the original starting linemen are down in Chicago.

General manager Jerry Angelo said, “Given where we are at in the season and the time already missed, this is the best move for Gabe and for our team."

What happens to the running game against San Diego?

Are the Bears destined to lose to the Chargers?

Two Linemen Down

Carimi joins fellow lineman Chris Williams (pictured) on the sidelines for the rest of the year. Chris injured his wrist, underwent emergency surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.

That leaves two of Angelo's first-round picks out of commission.

Perfect timing: Matt Forte is having a career year.

Yes, the Bears haved moved to a max-protect scheme that utilizes tight ends and fullbacks.

But how many NFL teams suffer the loss of two starters on the offensive line and make it deep into the playoffs? Or win a Super Bowl?

Head coach Lovie Smith said. “It’s disappointing, but he’s been out a while, and we’ve played most of the season without him. Gabe eventually will be a great player for us. But right now, other guys have stepped up, and we’ve moved on.”

Introducing Edwin Williams

The Bears promoted offensive lineman Levi Horn from the practice squad to add depth and take Carimi's spot on the roster.

But the man you'll see on the playing field is reserve guard Edwin Williams (pictured).

Williams was born in Washington, D.C., and went to college at the University of Maryland. He was undrafted but signed as a free agent with his hometown Washington Redskins in 2009.

He was acquired by the Bears during the 2010 preseason after being released.

At 6'3" and 315 lbs, Edwin has the body to move defenders. But, he needed some time to learn the system.

Williams started three games for Chicago last season, and the coaches seem to trust him. 

Mike Martz said, "Having been here now for a while and been through the preseason, we feel very good about him. He's ready to play."

We'll find out Sunday against San Diego.