NFC Notes: Bears, Falcons, Giants, Packers

Bears

Bears HC John Fox admitted Monday that it’s possible they could shut down G Kyle Long for the season, considering that he’s battled through shoulder, ankle and finger injuries this year.

“I think that’s a possibility,” Fox said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “Again I don’t want to say yes, I don’t want to say no at this point.”

• The Bears did, in fact, place G Kyle Long on injured reserve along with DL Mitch Unrein. (NFLTR)

Falcons

• Ian Rapoport reports that Falcons G Andy Levitre is out for Week 14’s game against the Saints with a partially torn triceps.
• The good news, however, is that the Falcons are hoping Levitre can return after two or three weeks and this is not considered a season-ending issue.

Giants

James Kratch of NJ.com takes a look at some earlier GM candidates for the Giants now that they’ve made the decision to fire Jerry Reese.

According to Kratch, some names to monitor in the coming weeks for New York include:

• Giants interim GM Kevin Abrams
• Giants VP of player evaluation Marc Ross
• Former Panthers GM Dave Gettleman
• ESPN analyst Louis Riddick
• Patriots VP of player personnel Nick Caserio
• Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta
• Packers director of football operations Eliot Wolf
• Former Chiefs GM John Dorsey
• Former Redskins GM Scot McCloughan
• NFL analyst Phil Simms
• Falcons assistant GM Scott Pioli
• Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin
• Vikings assistant GM George Paton

Ian Rapoport reports that Giants interim GM Kevin Abrams is a favorite of former Giants GM Ernie Accorsi and is respected around the league. The expectation, according to Rapoport, is that Abrams will get a real interview for the full-time job.

Packers

• Packers HC Mike McCarthy stressed that QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone, injured reserve) has not medically cleared to return to practice on a full basis this week: “That’s why we call it trial return because he’s not cut loose for a full practice. The medical clearance will be (an option) until next week.” (Rob Demovsky)
• The Green Bay Packers worked out worked out WR Al Riles and C Parker Collins on Monday. (Rob Demovsky)