Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd reportedly underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his right hand.

By the reports, it appears the injury is to the index and middle finger metacarpal bones.

#Bears coach Matt Nagy tells reporters at Halas Hall that OLB Leonard Floyd fractured his index and middle fingers and had surgery. TE Adam Shaheen's right ankle still is being evaluated. But Nagy called it a sprain. — Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 20, 2018

Surgery is actually good news, as it stabilizes the bone, allowing for earlier healing and earlier return to play.


Given Floyd’s position, he should be able to return in time for the Bears’ season opener with protection (cast or splint).

During the season, as a team doctor in the NFL, there were numerous occasions where a player broke his hand, had surgery and played the following week.

What Floyd is dealing with is more severe, as it involves two bones. But with three weeks before the season, he has the extra time.

I don’t expect him to need a bulky club in the game. A smaller partial cast or splint will be sufficient by then.


I even expect him to be effective. Remember, grip is mostly with the fourth and fifth fingers. (Hold and practice swinging a golf club or baseball bat with one had to prove it to yourself.)

My anticipation is the Bears medical staff will only have protection/splint on the index and middle finger allowing most of his grip to be intact.

Bottom line: Floyd will be ready to play Week 1.