Chicago Bears left guard Ruben Brown was placed on the injury reserve list because of a right shoulder injury that will require surgery.





The 13-year veteran started every game during the Bears’ 2006 run to the Super Bowl, and missed wednesday’s practice because of a shoulder injury that will require surgery. His place in the starting lineup for sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders was taken by Terrence Metcalf. This injury is another blow to a Bears offense which has struggled with a league-high 16 interceptions and ranks next-to-last in rushing at 78.9 yards per game. Brown, a nine time Pro-Bowler, has signed at the beginning of the season a one-year contract, but now with this injury, the player was not available for comments on his probable return next year.



Brown’s replacement, Terrence Metcalf, a six-year veteran from Mississippi, has started 20 games in his carrer, and he’s 6-foot-4, 318-pound. Five of Metcalf’s 20 starts were as guard.



Coach Lovie Smith also commented on cornerback Nathan Vasher, who missed practice since he got injured on Sept.23, and is unlikely to return for Sunday’s game. Center-guard Anthony Oakley was promoted from the practice squad to fill Brown’s roster spot.