Avoiding injuries is vital for the success of most NFL teams, especially those already short on talent in several key areas.

Chalk up another rough break for the Chicago Bears, who learned Friday that rookie left tackle Chris Williams will miss 10 to 12 weeks after surgery to repair herniated disk in his lower back.

While the Bears told the Chicago Tribune that they have no plans to put Williams on injured reserve, the news leaves the receiver-less, quarterback-less Bears also short the guy they hoped would protect the blind side of whichever of two starting quarterback candidates sucks less during the preseason through at least week 9.

If you had yet to remove Rex Grossman, Kyle Boller or any of the Chicago receivers from your fantasy cheat sheets this news should be the last dagger in any hopes you had for them. Rookie running back Matt Forte reportedly looked okay in Thursday preseason action, but I’d drop him a notch on this news. He’s probably a fine back but he’s got an uphill battle ahead of him this season.

All in all this is a tough start to the 2008 season after a rough offseason and a far below expectations 2007. Not a good start.