Bears' Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffery Practice In Limited Role
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- As the Bears began work for Sunday's contest with the Oakland Raiders, they were joined by quarterback Jay Cutler and top receiver Alshon Jeffery.
Both Cutler and Jeffery participated during the open portion of practice Wednesday at Halas Hall. Bears coach John Fox confirmed that the two were limited in action as they recover from their hamstring injuries.
Fox liked what he saw from Cutler.
"I thought he had a good practice," Fox said. "He was limited. Obviously, we're trying to treat him and get him better as we move forward. I thought we had a good day today."
Raiders coach Jack Del Rio believes that Cutler will be starting for the Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field, but Oakland's ready for the possibility of Jimmy Clausen or David Fales playing, too.
"Knowing that they have a really talented quarterback that is likely to be back, and if he's not, then we'll be prepared for the backups," Del Rio said.
On Wednesday, the Bears were without tackle Jermon Bushrod (concussion, shoulder) and punter Pat O'Donnell (right knee), while defensive linemen Jeremiah Ratliff (ankle), Ego Ferguson (knee) and Will Sutton (elbow) were limited.
Chicago is coming off a 26-0 loss in Seattle this past Sunday, dropping its record to 0-3 on the young season. However, the team is now looking at a cleaner bill of health, especially if Cutler and Jeffery are able to play against Oakland.
During practice Wednesday, the Bears sensed a bit of optimism as they saw familiar faces returning to work.
"It felt good to see those guys back out there, working with us as a team," Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston said.
Bears tight end Martellus Bennett artfully illustrated what the return of key players like Cutler and Jeffery would mean for the team.
"Any time you have all the tools in your box, it's a lot easier to go to work," Bennett said. "You don't want to go to work on your car and you don't have a ratchet. You need a ratchet. And you only got a Phillips screwdriver when you need a flathead screwdriver. It's good to have all the tools back and able to use them all."
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