LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears rookie offensive tackle Gabe Carimi underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right knee Friday.

"Gabe Carimi had a minor scope on his knee," Bears coach Lovie Smith said Friday. "Of course, don't know exactly how long Gabe will be out."

Carimi, the Bears' first-round pick in the April draft, has missed the past six games with a partial dislocation of his right knee. Lance Louis has played well in Carimi's absence, and will make his fourth straight start at right tackle against the Detroit Lions Sunday.

"I just like being out on the field," Louis said. "Whatever position I'm playing, it's just fun going out and competing and helping this team get a win."

The Bears hoped Carimi would return following the bye week, but the right tackle was able to practice only one day last week leading up to the Philadelphia Eagles game due to recurring knee pain. Carimi went through a brief workout in Philadelphia prior to the game. However, the team opted to shut him down upon returning to Chicago.

It's unclear if the Bears will eventually end Carimi's season and place him on injured reserve. Carimi would be a valuable reserve to have on the active roster if the scope is successful and he's able to return at some point down the line.

"Minor and injured reserve don't go together right away," Smith said. "Again, I can't really talk much on it right now. We'll know more once we get more information. Right now, I just know he's not going to play this week and might be out a while."

Right now, the Bears' swing tackle is veteran Frank Omiyale, who has struggled this season.

ESPNChicago.com's Jeff Dickerson contributed to this report.