Mitch Trubisky working hard toward Week 7 return

The Bears' bye week is over, which means it's time to get back to work and prepare for Week 7's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

According to coach Matt Nagy, one player — quarterback Mitch Trubisky — didn't take any time off.

Speaking with Josh Liss of WBBM Newsradio Chicago on Monday, Nagy confirmed Trubisky spent his bye week strengthening his injured left shoulder.

"He was in here working out, every day he's trying to get that (shoulder) stronger and stronger, so that'll be the big question for us," Nagy said of Trubisky's status for Sunday. "We'll see how it goes here, really this whole week, but we're excited for him. We know every day helps us out to get him back, so we'll see where it ends up going."

Trubisky and the Bears passing offense will be the primary target for critics the rest of the way this season, especially after Week 6's marquee showdown between Patrick Mahomes and DeShaun Watson, the two quarterbacks GM Ryan Pace passed on to select the former North Carolina star.

Nagy said he and the rest of the coaching staff used the week off to sharpen their focus.

"It's always good to kind of reload and reflect on where you're at right now and I think we all got a chance to do that, so it's nice to get back in here and get after it."

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The Bears will be without a key piece on offense in their attempt to get back to the playoffs in 2019. Nagy confirmed guard Kyle Long will be placed on injured reserve (hip). Long's struggles in 2019 have been well-documented and something had to give. Unfortunately, we now know it's Long's health that's failed him again. 

"That's where it's at and I want to credit him for battling through an injury and it is a tough loss," Nagy said of Long. "It's a part of the game, we understand that, he understands it and we just gotta keep plugging away."

It's quite possible Long has played his last game as a Chicago Bear.

One player who hasn't played his last game with the Bears is Akiem Hicks. But has he played his last game of 2019? Nagy wouldn't provide a timetable for his return, but don't expect the 2018 Pro Bowler to be back anytime soon.

"We're still working through all the logistics on that. It was a pretty good injury he got there. We're hoping that he's definitely able to return here by the season's end."