Bears' defense taking injury hits heading into Washington game

Share

A Bears defense that has held its last five opponents to fewer than 20 points per game (San Francisco needed an interception return for a touchdown to top 20) will be trying to continue that run with an increasing list of significant players with health concerns.

Linebacker Pernell McPhee, whose performance has fallen off as this season has unfolded because of a knee injury, did not practice again on Friday and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins.

Also turning up on the injury report was nickel cornerback Bryce Callahan, one of the bright spots in the Bears secondary with seven pass breakups despite being on the game-day roster just eight of the Bears’ 12 games this season. Callahan is listed as questionable after not practicing with a knee injury.

Also questionable are linebacker Sam Acho (shoulder), cornerback Tracy Porter (ankle) and safety Antrel Rolle (ankle).

[NBC SHOP: Gear up, Bears fans!]

The situations confront Bears coaches with difficult decisions, whether the likes of McPhee, for example, in a limited capacity is preferable to a healthy backup.

“So much of it is injury-related, just monitoring that with practice time, getting assignment-sound, and then carrying that over to games,” said coach John Fox. “We just kind of monitor that the best we can and I think we have.”

Wide receiver Marquess Wilson (foot) is out for the second game in a row but Eddie Royal was able to practice on a limited basis and is questionable.

Contact Us