Listed As Questionable, Bears' Alshon Jeffery Optimistic About Playing Sunday
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- After missing Thursday's practice, Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery worked in a limited role Friday to test out his sore knee. Then he stayed on the field well after the conclusion of work and caught extra passes from likely starting quarterback Brian Hoyer.
Despite missing time in practice this week, Jeffery expressed confidence that he should be able to play Sunday night's game at Dallas.
"I feel pretty good," Jeffery said Friday.
Jeffery was one of 14 Bears listed on the team's injury report, with his status as questionable for Sunday night. The league's new injury report guidelines make the questionable tag the most promising, with the probable label being eliminated.
Quarterback Jay Cutler (thumb sprain) is listed as doubtful for the game, and he's not expected to play. The Bears ruled out linebacker Danny Trevathan a day after his surgery to replace a thumb ligament. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman and running back Ka'Deem Carey are both doubtful.
Linebacker Willie Young, safety Adrian Amos, cornerback Bryce Callahan, cornerback Kyle Fuller, cornerback Tracy Porter, safety Chris Prosinski, tackle Bobby Massie, guard Josh Sitton and defensive lineman Will Sutton are all questionable to play, rounding out the long injury report.
If the Bears have any hope of winning with Hoyer at quarterback, they'll need Jeffery on the field. He's accounted for 206 of the team's 542 yards of offense this season, which is 38 percent of their production.
Jeffery missed seven games in 2015, failing to earn a long-term deal. The Bears tendered the franchise tag, asking the talented receiver to go earn a new contract. Despite the inconsistencies to his availability, Bears coach John Fox said he has no reservations to Jeffery's toughness.
"I don't question his toughness, and I never did," Fox said.
Fox went on to explain that Jeffery's absence from practice was a good in that he could rest the sore knee. That soreness began in Monday's loss to the Eagles at Soldier Field, Jeffery said.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
