The Bears held a walkthrough Monday, but had they practiced, quarterback Justin Fields would have been limited due to a dislocated right thumb.
Fields has missed the last three games after sustaining the injury Oct. 15 against the Vikings. The third-year pro returned to practice last Friday on a limited basis, throwing for the first time since hurting his thumb.
Fields is considered day-to-day. His availability for Thursday night's home game against the Panthers will be determined later in the week.
"We'll literally see where it is today and then see where it goes from there," said coach Matt Eberflus, "and we'll know more on Wednesday in terms of how that progresses."
While the Bears have a short week, Fields could be cleared to start Thursday night.
"I know it's a shortened down timeframe, but again it's day-to-day," Eberflus said. "We'll look at it today, look at how he's doing today, his functionality and see where it is. Guys coming off of injury, it always comes down to the medical staff clearing them, how the player feels he can function in the game, and then the coaches looking at it and saying, 'Hey, yes, he could function at a high level and get the job done.'"
Three Bears back at practice
In other news, the Bears on Monday designated running back Khalil Herbert, receiver Equanimeous St. Brown and cornerback Josh Blackwell to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day window to activate them. All three would have been able to practice without restrictions Monday.
Herbert has missed the last four games with an ankle injury he suffered Oct. 5 in a road win over the Commanders. He started each of the first five games this year, rushing for 272 yards on 51 carries and catching 10 passes for 83 yards and one touchdown.
St. Brown has also been sidelined for four games with a hamstring injury he sustained in Washington. He was a healthy scratch the first three weeks of the season before appearing in two games and catching one pass for 21 yards.
Blackwell has been limited to two games due to a hamstring injury, recording two tackles in Week 1 against the Packers and two tackles in Week 3 versus the Chiefs.
More injury news
Middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (knee), tight end Cole Kmet (knee), right guard Nate Davis (ankle) and cornerback Terell Smith (illness) would not have been able to practice Monday.
Safety Jaquan Brisker has been cleared from concussion protocol after sitting out the last two games against the Chargers and Saints.
"That's a positive for us," Eberflus said. "Excited to see him back."
Fullback Khari Blasingame has been ruled out of Thursday night's contest versus the Panthers after sustaining a concussion against the Saints.
