Three Bears defensive starters who were limited in practice Wednesday are expected to play in Sunday's season opener against the Packers at Soldier Field.
Defensive end DeMarcus Walker (calf) and safeties Eddie Jackson (ankle) and Jaquan Brisker (groin) worked out without restrictions for a second straight day Friday and were not given designations on the injury report, indicating that they're good to go.
Brisker missed the entire preseason. But coach Matt Eberflus is confident that the second-year pro from Penn State will be able to stay locked in Sunday.
"He'll do a great job with that," Eberflus said. "He's got the year under his belt, which is great, and him and Eddie have a great relationship in terms of their communication and how they operate. Those guys have been in all the walkthroughs, which is awesome, throughout the whole time they've missed through training camp. They've looked great the last few days, so I don't really have an issue with either one."
Right guard Nate Davis also is expected to start versus Green Bay. The fifth-year pro missed Thursday's practice due to a personal issue but worked out in full Friday.
The only Bears player with an injury designation is tight end Robert Tonyan (back), who was added to the injury report Saturday afternoon.
The Packers, meanwhile, won't be at full strength at the receiver position Sunday. Christian Watson has been ruled out of the game, while Romeo Doubs is questionable after being limited in practice Friday. Both are suffering from hamstring injuries.
Backup plan: Eberflus confirmed that veteran Nathan Peterman will serve as the Bears' No. 2 quarterback behind Justin Fields Sunday with undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent filling the role of the emergency third stringer.
"We feel like that's the best thing to do at this time for us this week," Eberflus said. "We're going to continue to develop both guys, and that could change week to week."
After the 49ers ran out of quarterbacks in last season's NFC Championship Game, the NFL brought back a rule that allows teams to carry a third quarterback on its active gameday roster without counting him as part of the roster limit. The third QB can only play if the first two quarterbacks are injured.
I am the captain now: Eberflus revealed that offensive lineman Cody Whitehair will serve as the Bears' honorary captain this week against the Packers.
The Bears name an honorary captain for each game to join their four permanent captains: Fields, receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and Jackson.
With the Bears taking on the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 season opener Sunday at Soldier Field, take a look at some of the best photos taken throughout the history of the 103-year rivalry.
1961: Vince Lombardi and George Halas talk on the field before a game.
Date unknown: George Halas and Vince Lombardi talk on the field before a game.
1960s: Bears tight end Mike Ditka catches a pass and runs through the Packers defense.
Oct. 31, 1965: Running back Gale Sayers runs through a gap in the Packers defensive line. The Bears win the game 31-10.
Nov. 30, 1975: Bears and Packers at the line of scrimmage during a game at Lambeau Field
Dec. 10, 1978: Running back Walter Payton runs against the Packers. Bears win the game 14-0.
Oct. 21, 1985: 325-pound rookie defensive tackle William "The Refrigerator" Perry rushes for a touchdown on Monday Night Football.
1980s: Bears vs. Packers at Lambeau Field
Nov. 5, 1989: Linebacker Mike Singletary talks to Packers guard Ron Hallstrom.
Oct. 25, 1992: Head coach Mike Ditka talks with Packers head coach Mike Holmgren.
Nov. 7, 1999: Six days after Walter Payton passed away, the Bears traveled to Green Bay to take on the Packers. Late in the game, defensive lineman Bryan Robinson blocked a 28-yard field goal to give the Bears a 14-13 win and snap a 10-game losing streak to the Packers. After the game, Robinson said "I think Walter Payton picked me up, because I can't jump that high."
Dec. 9, 2001: Bears vs. Packers at Lambeau Field.
Dec. 4, 2005: Cornerback Charles Tillman sacks quarterback Brett Favre and forces a fumble in a game the Bears win 19-7.
Dec. 4, 2005: In the same game, safety Mike Brown sacks Favre and causes a fumble.
Dec. 25, 2005: The Bears celebrate Christmas by clinching their first NFC North title. Chris Harris intercepts two Brett Favre passes in the win.
Oct. 7, 2007: Rookie tight end Greg Olsen catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Brian Griese. The Bears win the game 27-20.
Sep. 27, 2010: Devin Hester returns a punt 62 yards for a touchdown at the beginning of the fourth quarter, giving the Bears a 20-17 win over Green Bay on Monday Night Football.
Nov. 26, 2015: On a rainy Thanksgiving night, the Bears force four straight Aaron Rodgers incompletions from the Chicago 8 in the final minute of the game to preserve a 17-13 victory.
Dec. 18, 2016: Bears vs. Packers at Soldier Field
Dec. 16, 2018: The Bears defeat the Packers 24-17 at Soldier Field to clinch the NFC North title. Safety Eddie Jackson intercepts Aaron Rodgers late in the game to seal the victory.
Dec. 4, 2022: Quarterback Justin Fields outraces the Packers defense for a highlight-reel 55-yard touchdown run.
