Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Have the Bears ever had two Pro Bowl receivers and do you think this could be the year?
Michael
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Bears have never had two Pro Bowl receivers in the same season. They've only had a total of two receivers voted to the Pro Bowl over the last 30 years: Marty Booker in 2002 and Brandon Marshall last year. The last receiver to be selected before Booker was Dick Gordon in 1971. I think there's definitely a chance that both Marshall and Jeffery could be voted to the Pro Bowl this year. Marshall ranks fourth in the NFL in receptions (78) and ninth in yards (990), while Jeffery is fourth in yards (1,109) and tied for eighth in receptions (70). As you probably know, the Pro Bowl will have a new format this year. Instead of splitting up the teams by conference, the top players will be selected at each position regardless of whether they're in the NFC or AFC. Marshall is currently sixth in the fan voting, while Jeffery is not in the top 10. The fans only account for one-third of the vote, however, along with players and coaches.
With Craig Steltz having such a phenomenal start at safety against the Vikings, are we going to see him starting more in place of Chris Conte or Major Wright?
Alex E.
As far as I know, Major Wright will be back in the starting lineup at strong safety if has recovered from the hamstring injury that kept him out of last Sunday's game in Minnesota. After being limited in practice Thursday, Wright participated without restrictions Friday, so I assume he will start Monday night against the Cowboys along with free safety Chris Conte barring a setback.
I read the injury report when Lance Briggs first got hurt and it said that he was expected to miss 4-6 weeks. If I'm not mistaken, it's been about seven. I'm not hearing much information on Briggs. Have there been any complications with his injury?
Jacob W.
Some media outlets reported that Lance Briggs would be sidelined 4-6 weeks, but the day after he fractured his shoulder in a loss to the Redskins, the Bears announced that the seven-time Pro Bowler would be out "about six weeks." It will be seven weeks on Sunday, so that timetable really isn't off. Briggs has been running this week. Hopefully he will be able to return to practice next week. There have not been any setbacks as far as I know.
