With 13 players listed on their injury report, the Bears could be shorthanded again Sunday when they visit the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Linebacker Shea McClellin (knee), defensive lineman Ego Ferguson (ankle), safety Antrel Rolle (ankle) and cornerback Terrance Mitchell (hamstring) all are doubtful after being missing practice Friday, meaning there's only a 25 percent chance they'll play.
| Martellus Bennett ranks second among NFL tight ends with 28 receptions. |
Nine players are questionable (and have a 50/50 chance of playing): Receivers Alshon Jeffery (hamstring), Eddie Royal (ankle) and Joshua Bellamy (groin); tight end Martellus Bennett (quad); left tackle Jermon Bushrod (shoulder); guard Patrick Omameh (ankle); outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (shoulder); and defensive linemen Jeremiah Ratliff (ankle) and Will Sutton (elbow).
The only new addition to that list Friday was Bennett, who hurt his quad in Thursday's practice. Bennett leads the Bears and ranks second among NFL tight ends with 28 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns. The only tight end with more catches is the Cowboys' Jason Witten (30), Bennett's teammate in Dallas from 2008-11.
While Bennett did not practice Friday, the seven other players who are questionable were limited.
Asked about the challenge of replacing injured players, coach John Fox said: "You've got a depth chart. You've got guys that are backups that have to be ready, and we take that approach.
"It helps when guys have been with you for an extended period of time so they're trained to execute what we're asking them to do. That was a little bit problematic early in that we had some new guys ... but we're getting to the point now where guys are getting trained and understanding what we're doing."
