LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Bears running back Kevin Jones is out for the season after suffering torn ligaments in his left ankle in the first quarter of Thursday night’s preseason finale at Soldier Field.

Running back Kevin Jones rushed for 109 yards on 34 carries last season for the Bears.

The sixth-year pro was injured on a six-yard run when he was hit out of bounds by Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard, who drew a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.

Jones is scheduled to undergo surgery early next week. The procedure will be performed by Bears foot and ankle specialist Dr. Armen Kelikian. 

Jones initially signed with the Bears as a free agent in July 2008, just seven months after tearing the ACL in his right knee in the second-to-last game of the 2007 campaign when he played for the Detroit Lions.

The 6-foot, 225-pounder appeared in 11 games last season for the Bears, rushing for 109 yards on 34 carries.

Jones re-signed with the Bears during the offseason after being promised an expanded role as a complement to starting running back Matt Forte. Having shed 20 pounds, the Virginia Tech product impressed coaches in training camp with his quickness, burst and cutting ability.

Jones rushed for 77 yards on 24 carries in the preseason.

The Bears must cut 22 players to reach the NFL’s mandatory 53-man roster limit by 5 p.m. (CT) Saturday. ChicagoBears.com will provide full coverage of the moves as soon as they’re announced.