NFL teams
Michael C. Wright, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

LB Lance Briggs suffers groin injury

NFL, Chicago Bears

CHICAGO -- Bears linebacker Lance Briggs left Sunday's 21-13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after suffering a groin injury in the second quarter, and rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller suffered a knee injury that kept him out for the second half.

Athletic trainers took Briggs into the locker room just before intermission, and the club announced he wouldn't be back when the Bears returned to the field for the second half. Minutes later, the team announced Fuller was out for the game.

A seven-year Pro Bowler with a contract set to expire at the end of the season, Briggs, 34, has already missed three games due to a rib injury. It's unknown whether Briggs' latest setback will force him to miss time.

Briggs currently earns $4.75 million in base salary from a three-year extension signed back in 2012, but likely won't be able to command such a salary to return to the Bears in 2015, and has said he expects this season to be his last in Chicago.

Briggs has missed a total of 10 games over the past two seasons. He missed seven outings last year due to a fractured shoulder.

"It's the last year of my deal. It's not like I'm going to magically show up after this year, and they're going to open the gates up for you," Briggs said back on Nov. 6. "I've talked to my buddy [former Bears defensive end] Alex Brown. Those gates are closing, you're a free agent. I know the reality of it, and I'm proud of all the years I've had here. It's been great."

Fuller entered Sunday's game tied for eighth in the NFL in interceptions (3) and first among rookies. Fuller has contributed 46 tackles and six pass breakups through eight games.

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