Torn ACL for Dvoracek

Bears defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek will miss the season after an MRI exam revealed a torn ACL in his right knee, the team said Friday.

Injuries are nothing new to Dvoracek, who has been limited to 13 games since the Bears drafted him in the third round in 2006. This marks the fourth consecutive season-ending injury for Dvoracek.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said he could not recall a player with such bad luck when it came to injuries.

"I can't, right off the top of my head," Smith said. "I haven't seen a lot of players go through that. But guys deal with injuries always. As much as anything with Dusty, though, it's one thing to have injuries and they continue to linger. These are different things. He's getting things fixed.

"So really, once he comes back from this, he should be as good as ever," Smith said. "He should still have all of his options open for him."

Dvoracek was competing with Anthony Adams, Marcus Harrison and Matt Toeaina for time at the nose tackle position. Smith said the team was comfortable with its defensive line despite Dvoracek's injury.

-Tom Musick