Lance Louis injury: Jared Allen hit ends season for Bears guard

Chicago Bears guard Lance Louis has been placed on injured reserve and will miss the remainder of the 2012 season after tearing his ACL against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday.

Following Jay Cutler's interception to Minnesota cornerback Antoine Winfield, Lance Louis was blindsided by Vikings defense end Jared Allen, launching himself high on Louis, buckling Louis' knee on the hit and tearing his ACL.

Despite the hit being high and seriously injuring Louis, Allen has said he does not believe the hit was dirty.

"I thought it was a legal hit," Allen said. "He's running to make a tackle, so I just wanted to block him. I never intentionally try to hurt anybody. I turned around, he was running to make a tackle and I threw myself into him to make a block. My condolences to him and his family."

Lance Louis was considered the top lineman for the Chicago Bears, who are dealing with serious depth issues on the offensive line after guard Chilo Rachal left the team early last week. Tackle Gabe Carimi slid over to the guard position following Louis' injury.

Louis's contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and following this injury, it is unclear whether the Chicago Bears will re-sign him. He is in his fourth year in the NFL.