After missing yesterday's practice with a bad groin, wide out Alshon Jeffery was back practicing on a limited basis for the Chicago Bears today. Jeffery is listed as questionable (50% chance he plays) on the official injury report. Also listed as questionable are outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee), running back Matt Forte (knee), inside linebacker Shea McClellin (knee), center Hroniss Grasu (neck), corner Tracy Porter (hip), safety Antrel Rolle (ankle) and tackle Jermon Bushrod (shoulder).
All the 50/50 Bears practiced a little bit today expect McPhee, who was held out the entire week.
Head coach John Fox, when asked about Jeffery, said he had a "good practice" today. When asked about the chances Jeffery plays on Sunday, Fox added, "I have an idea of what he's capable of. You look at it and you evaluate it like we do every day. And if the medical people think he's healthy to go, (he'll) go."
The Bears will know more after Saturday's walk through practice, but as long as there are no setbacks, I would expect Jeffery to play against the St. Louis Rams. When asked about his groin, Jeffery said "I'm fine."
Forte was limited all week, but of the eight questionable Bears, he's the one I think could sit out. Forte clarified his knee injury saying it's a sprained MCL, the same type he had in 2011, which kept him out of the teams final 4 games.
This could be the week we finally see Grasu back at center, meaning Matt Slauson could be back at his left guard spot. Right guard would then come down to Patrick Omameh and Vladimir Ducasse, but I'd be leaning towards Omameh.
If McClellin is good to go at ILB, that could push Jonathan Anderson back to the bench, but I think he's earned some playing time these last few weeks. We could see McClellin, Anderson and Christian Jones splitting time at the inside backer position.
Defensive lineman Mitch Unrein is probable after battling an illness the last couple of days.
The Bears have ruled one player out for Sunday, wide receiver Eddie Royal (knee) will not play.
For the Rams, it's not expected that defensive end Chris Long (Kyle's brother) will play. He's officially listed as doubtful (75% chance he does not play) with a knee injury.
The Rams list three players as questionable, defensive end Robert Quinn (knee), tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) and safety T.J. McDonald (foot).
They also have three players listed as probable (25% chance they miss the game), linebacker Akeem Ayers (Illness), running back Todd Gurley (Not Injury Related) and running back Chase Reynolds (thigh). In case you were wondering, Gurley missed Wednesday's practice, the Rams didn't practice yesterday, and he was a full participant today.