Bears C Lucas Patrick suffers hand injury, surgery required

Patrick exited practice Thursday with a hand injury that will require surgery. His timetable for recovery is unclear, but there's optimism he'll be back before the start of the regular season.

Patrick's injury opens the door for first-team reps for rookie Doug Kramer. Last year's starter, Sam Mustipher, will get a long look too.

The Chicago Bears signed Lucas Patrick to a two-year, $8 million contract in free agency. Patrick spent the first five years of his career with the Green Bay Packers.

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