Kyle Long Had Surgeries on Elbow, Neck, Shoulder Injuries After Going on IR

Chicago Bears offensive guard Kyle Long underwent a number of surgeries since he was placed on injured reserve in December.

According to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune, Long said he underwent surgeries on his neck, shoulder and elbow since his 2017 season was cut short. He played just 10 games in the 2017 campaign after lacing it up for eight games the prior year.

A report from Wiederer in December indicated the University of Oregon product has dealt with physical limitations during the last few years. The ankle injury that ended his 2016 season led to reconstructive surgery and limited him at the start of the 2017 campaign. What's more, a torn labrum has been an issue since before the 2016 campaign even started.

The 2013 first-round pick was a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons in the league, but the injuries have sapped much of his effectiveness in recent years for a Bears team that hasn't enjoyed a winning season since 2012.

According to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Long said he can once again lift his arms over his head following these surgeries, which is not something he has been able to do for some time.

He also said he would be "flying around" by the start of the 2018 campaign, per Finley, which is surely welcome news for the Bears after his recent ailments.

Long will be part of an offense that figures to be a primary storyline in the NFC North in 2018 after the hiring of new head coach Matt Nagy. Chicago added new pass-catching additions in Allen Robinson, Trey Burton and Taylor Gabriel to go with running backs Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen, and there is the expected development of signal-caller Mitchell Trubisky from his first to second seasons.

Despite the offseason surgeries, Long's improving health can seemingly be added to the list of reasons for optimism in the Windy City.