The Bears returned to the practice field Wednesday in preparation for their Week 1 opponent Houston.
Seven players were limited: cornerback Kyle Fuller (knee), right guard Kyle Long (shoulder), cornerback Bryce Callahan (groin), defensive lineman Cornelius Washington (ankle/knee), safety Deon Bush (hamstring), wide receiver Deonte Thompson (knee/ankle) and fullback Paul Lasike (wrist).
The big news is the absence of cornerback Tracy Porter from this list. The veteran returned to practice on Monday after being cleared from concussion protocol and he appears to be good to go for Sunday.
As for Long, he met with the media on Wednesday to talk all about his announced four-year, $40 million deal ($30 million guaranteed). In terms of his health, he said he “feels great and is ready to roll.”
According to the Chicago Tribune’s sources, Long is dealing with a serious labrum issue in his left shoulder. Long is a warrior and is going to try to play through it. He said on Wednesday he hopes to retire a Bear.
The most interesting thing Long said was about rookie Cody Whitehair. Whitehair ran with the first-team at left guard in the preseason taking some snaps with the second-team at center in the preseason opener as well. However, it appears the second round pick could be the starting center even with Ted Larsen listed in front of him on the depth chart.
Long on Whitehair: “Cody is a really talented guy, he’s learning everyday. I think this is a good spot for him.” #Bears
— Jake Perper (@BearsBacker) September 7, 2016
The other key player on this list is Fuller. He said on Monday that his goal is to play this week. The Bears would love to have him back in the mix. Callahan, on the other hand, could be a game-time decision until we know more.
Thompson, Bush, Callahan and Washington are all question marks at this point.
Opponent’s injury report
The Texans didn’t have tackle Duane Brown (knee) on Wednesday as he was held out. Defensive end J.J. Watt (back) and rookie wide receiver Will Fuller (hamstring) were limited while linebacker Akeem Dent (concussion) and tackle Derek Newton (hamstring) were fully participating in practice.
Next update
Bears’ head coach John Fox, quarterback Jay Cutler and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains will meet with the media on Thursday.
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Filed under: Bears Injury Report
Tags: Bears, Bryce Callahan, Kyle Fuller, Kyle Long, Tracy Porter
