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.
I was wondering if there is any word on the status of Pernell McPhee and Marquess Wilson. Does it look like either one will play this season?
Steven B.
Washington
The Bears have not provided an update on the two players who are on the physically unable to perform list except to say that they can open a 21-day practice window for them beginning this Friday. Regardless of whether that happens, Pernell McPhee and Marquess Wilson are not permitted to play in a game until a week from Thursday when the Bears visit the Packers. When they do start to practice, the Bears will have three weeks to decide whether to activate them. McPhee continues to recover from offseason knee surgery, while Wilson broke his foot in June in a minicamp practice.
When the Bears offense has 522 yards against the Colts and scores only 23 points, what is the problem?
Brad
Trinity, Florida
I think there are a couple things to explain that. First, penalties killed the Bears, especially on their first drive of the game when they were flagged three times for 30 yards. The most costly infraction was a facemask against Jordan Howard that erased Cameron Meredith's 8-yard rush to the Indianapolis 1. The Bears eventually had to settle for a field goal. That, coupled with Connor Barth missing a 49-yard field goal attempt later in the game, cost them a total of seven points. I don't think that anyone would be complaining about amassing 522 yards of offense and scoring "only" 30 points. Another issue is that the defense didn't generate any takeaways, which forced the offense to march the length of the field on every possession. The Bears started at their own 32 on their first drive and never started another possession beyond their own 25.
With Kevin White going on injured reserve, is there any chance that the Bears bring up rookie receiver Daniel Braverman from the practice squad?
Dustin
Denver, Colorado
I know the Bears are high on Braverman, but they view the seventh-round pick from Western Michigan strictly as a slot receiver and Eddie Royal has been excelling in that role so far this season. At some point, though, I wouldn't be surprised if Braverman gets an opportunity to play this year, especially if injuries continue to mount. Asked last week about the possibility of that happening, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said: "I'd be excited to see it. He works his tail off. He works hard. There's something to the kid. He had a good training camp, a good round of OTAs. We'll see. At some point in his career he's going to get an opportunity here and we'll see when that is." Loggains added that Braverman understands pass coverages and possesses the short area quickness to get open.
