NEWSLETTER
If you’re looking for some positive vibes regarding the Chicago Bears’ injury report, you’re in good luck.
The team shared an updated post-practice injury report on Friday, which reveals some good news regarding three injured Bears. Left guard Kyle Long, wide receiver Markus Wheaton, and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee were limited participants in practice and are questionable for Sunday’s regular season lid-lifter against the Atlanta Falcons.
Long and Wheaton were non-participants on Wednesday, but their status has improved somewhat in the last two days.
After practicing with Nerf footballs, Wheaton recently started catching NFL footballs (per Kevin Fishbain) as part of his recovery process after pinkie finger surgery. Long missed the entire preseason, but there has been hope all along that he would be ready for the regular season opener. McPhee, who is reportedly in the best shape of his life, is still rounding into form after spending the entire preseason on the physically unable to perform list. Luckily, the Bears didn’t have to start McPhee on the PUP list for a second straight season.
However, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio hinted at McPhee being a part-time player – at least to start the 2017 season.
The news isn’t as good regarding cornerback Prince Amukamara, who was held out of practice once again. Amukamara, who signed a one-year deal with eyes on being an upgrade for the Bears at a position that needed it, is now listed as doubtful to play against the Falcons. If he doesn’t suit up, it will have a domino effect on how the Bears deploy their defensive backs and perhaps take away some advantage of having two quality inside corners.
