Bears receiver Keenan Allen returned to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday for the first time since Sept. 6.

While he played in the team's season-opening win over the Titans — he played 68% of the offensive snaps and caught four passes for 29 yards — Allen missed the next two games in Houston and Indianapolis.

Adding the 12-year veteran back into the mix at practice this week will provide a boost for quarterback Caleb Williams and the passing attack.

"It's gonna be great for our offense," Williams told reporters. "It's just something else that the defense has to worry about throughout this week and then obviously on game day. And so it's gonna be great for us. His special talent of getting open in a phone booth is gonna be great for us."

Bears receivers had a productive day Sunday against the Colts. Rome Odunze recorded six receptions for 112 yards and DJ Moore caught eight passes for 78 yards. Still, Moore knows Allen getting back on the field would provide an even bigger challenge for the Rams defense this weekend.

"Now you don't just have two people out there," Moore said Wednesday. "You've got three that you've got to worry about. And you can't just shade it to one side or to one person. With Keenan back in the mix, you've got to play the whole field."

Other players limited during Wednesday's practice were defensive lineman Andrew Billings (knee), fullback Khari Blasingame (hand/knee), offensive linemen Nate Davis (groin) and Braxton Jones (knee) and defensive lineman Montez Sweat (elbow).

Defensive linemen Zacch Pickens (groin) and Darrell Taylor (illness), defensive back Terell Smith (hip) and offensive lineman Darnell Wright (back) did not practice.

Offensive line shuffling

With Wright being day-to-day, coach Matt Eberflus told reporters the team would work through different offensive line combinations and "utilize that flexibility for some people" in Wednesday's practice.

Eberflus said that flexibility includes 7-year pro Matt Pryor, who started at right guard against the Colts and moved to left tackle when Jones went out for one play.

"We thought that Pryor did a nice job," Eberflus said. "He was firm in the pocket and did a nice job blocking at times. Had a couple plays that he wished he had back, but for the most part did a nice job there."

Whether Pryor remains at right guard this week or shifts to right tackle depends on Wright's health, but the veteran is prepared for any scenario.

"Since I came into the league, versatility has been a big foundation in my career," Pryor said. "I take great pride in being able to move around on the O-line."

Pryor signed a one-year contract with the Bears in March after playing in 15 regular-season games with the 49ers last season. Pryor also spent time with the Eagles (2018-20) and Colts (2021-22).

During training camp, Eberflus praised Pryor for his ability to "play all positions," which excited the coaching staff. Eberflus saw additional improvements from Pryor throughout the summer that translated onto the field in Indianapolis.

"First of all, his attitude is great," Eberflus said. "He's a great teammate. He works well with Darnell right next to him. That's a good partnership there. That's what we saw and then learning the offense and always being firm in the pocket. He's a real good athlete for his size. So firmness in there is good for the quarterback. And also, just his run blocking. He can move people on double teams, some single blocks. I just think he did a really good job improving and learning the way we do it."

New opportunities

Running back Roschon Johnson was the Bears' leading rusher against the Colts after being inactive due to an injury in Week 1 and playing solely on special teams in Week 2.

The second-year pro had 30 yards on eight carries and helped the Bears convert on a crucial fourth-and-1.

"Just to be back out there and in the flow with live action, I feel like it was a good overall feeling for me," Johnson said.

While Johnson was given new opportunities in Indianapolis, the Bears are still working on improvements to the overall run game.

The Bears are still working on improvements to every facet of the run game.

"I think rushing the ball is an everybody thing, kinda like protection," Eberflus said. "We gotta create the holes with everybody, we gotta move people. The scheme's gotta be right for that particular runner. I just think it's everybody."

Rookie to vet

After playing young quarterbacks in their first three games of the season, the Bears will face off against 16-year pro Matthew Stafford Sunday. The matchup will be a new experience for Williams, who lauded Stafford in an interview with Kay Adams during training camp.

In his weekly press conference Wednesday, Williams said he first took notice of Stafford when watching Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson's highlights at a young age.

"It really started watching Megatron, obviously, getting triple-covered and stuff like that," Williams said. "Then I got a little older and kind of realized how good Matthew Stafford is at his job."

Williams was and still is impressed by Stafford's ability to control a game and is eager to face off against him at Soldier Field.

"He knows how to get in and out of things efficiently," Williams said. "He knows where people are going to be. He knows where the defensive players are going to be, so he can move them on a string. Watching him be able to move defenders, be able to move and maneuver in the pocket and still deliver some nice passes down the field or even just getting the ball to your back and allowing him to go to work. Keeping the ball in play. A bunch of different arm angles and things like that.

"He's been doing it for a while. So watching someone like that who has the success that he's had, you want to learn from that. It's going to be exciting."