The Chicago Bears have announced that they have placed linebacker Lance Briggs on season-ending injured reserve.

Briggs sustained a groin injury in his side's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and then missed the defeat to the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

The injury has been deemed serious enough to end the 34-year-old's season with four games left in the campaign, while his 12-year career with the Bears could also be over as his contract is up at the end of the year.

Briggs recorded 35 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble for the Bears in the 2014 season.