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.
Is there an update on injured receiver Marquess Wilson? Will he be back after the bye week?
Stan M.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Bears receiver Marquess Wilson is on schedule to return after the bye week for the Bears' Nov. 9 game against the Packers at Lambeau Field as far as I know. I'm not aware of any setbacks for Wilson, who was placed on injured reserve with the designation to return after breaking his collarbone in training camp. Wilson is actually permitted to begin practicing on Wednesday, but coach Marc Trestman declined to say Monday whether that will happen. Asked how game-ready Wilson will be when he returns, Trestman said: "He's going to get as much work as he can and we'll see where he's at. I can't project that. We'll see as he practices where he's at and when the time comes we'll make a decision on whether he's ready to play."
I noticed that when Chris Conte exited Sunday's game against the Falcons, he was replaced at free safety by Brock Vereen instead of Danny McCray, who has filled in for Conte in the past. Is that a sign that Vereen has passed McCray on the depth chart?
Ray T.
Rockford, Illinois
The Bears inserted Brock Vereen at safety instead of Danny McCray in Atlanta because they've been impressed with Vereen's improved play and McCray has a full plate of responsibilities on special teams. Said coach Marc Trestman: "[Vereen's development] is part of it. We're trying to work that rotation because Danny's a key. He was captain of special teams so you can see the kind of influence he has on such a big part of our football team. It's a combination of the two; to continue to get Brock involved and get better and also to leave some of those reps for Danny to play special teams where he's so vital to our team."
Do you think that Chris Conte is in jeopardy of losing his starting job given that he always seems to get knocked out of games with injuries?
Evan F.
Carmel, Indiana
Chris Conte has exited four of the Bears' six games this season with injuries, including Sunday in Atlanta after hurting his shoulder. But I don't think he will be demoted. Asked about Conte Monday, coach Marc Trestman said: "He's our starter until the doctors and trainers say [he can't play] … or he feels that he's uncomfortable playing and it hasn't been the case. We'll see where he is in the next couple days and how things proceed during the week." Trestman also revealed that he's disappointed for Conte, saying: "I just feel bad for Chris. He's worked so hard and he's had these situations that have come up that have taken him out of games, but [Sunday] was just another aberration of things that have happened to him. He's played and he's made some plays for us."
