For the first time in recent memory, no players are listed on the Bears injury report heading into Monday night's game in New England.
"I don't know that I've ever had that," said coach Matt Eberflus. "It's been 13, 14 years in the league now, I don't know that I've ever had that before at this time of the year. We're certainly fortunate. We're excited about that."
Eberflus cited several factors for the Bears' good health.
"It really goes down to the players before practice, after practice, taking care of their bodies," Eberflus said, "our performance staff, [Clyde Emrich director of high performance Brent] Salazar and [head strength and conditioning coach] Jimmy Arthur and all those guys, and [head athletic trainer] Andre [Tucker]; everybody in that training room doing a good job of really working with those players to keep them where they are.
"A lot of that's luck. A lot of that you can't really predict. But certainly my hat's off to the players and the staff."
The Patriots list 12 players on their injury report, all as questionable. It includes five starters: quarterback Mac Jones (ankle), receiver Nelson Agholor (hamstring), right guard Mike Onwenu (ankle), right tackle Isaiah Wynn (shoulder) and defensive tackle Christian Barmore (knee).
It's unclear whether Jones or rookie fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe will start at quarterback for the Patriots Monday night. Jones, who has missed the last three games, was limited in practice this week. Zappe has won his first two NFL starts the last two weeks, leading New England to victories over the Lions (29-0) and Browns (38-15).
The Bears hit the Halas Hall practice fields Thursday afternoon for their first practice of the week ahead of Monday night's road game against the Patriots.
