Another challenge for the Chicago Bears passing game: WR Byron Pringle goes on injured reserve

The Chicago Bears passing game took another hit Tuesday when the team placed wide receiver Byron Pringle on injured reserve.

Pringle suffered a calf injury in the first half of Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans, and he now must sit out at least four games per IR rules.

The Bears signed Pringle to a one-year, $4 million contract this offseason, and he had two catches for 33 yards on three targets in three games. In three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Pringle had 67 catches for 898 yards and seven touchdowns.

His absence is another challenge for a passing attack that ranks as the worst in the NFL with just 78.3 passing yards per game.

The Bears played their first three games without rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., who has been dealing with an on-and-off hamstring injury since August. N’Keal Harry, whom the Bears acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots, is also on IR after having ankle surgery in August. The Bears released wide receiver Tajae Sharpe with an injury settlement earlier this month.

The Bears signed veteran linebacker Joe Thomas to the open spot on the active roster. Thomas played 26 defensive snaps Sunday with linebacker Matt Adams sidelined.

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