The Chicago Bears have a much more optimistic injury report today than they did last couple of weeks. They still have wide receiver Eddie Royal (knee) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, but they may have a couple starters back in the lineup.
Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee) practiced today (albeit limited) for the first time in two weeks and he's listed as questionable (50% chance he plays). But when McPhee met the media, he made it sound as though he'd be starting for sure, "My mentality is [that] I'm looking forward to playing the Denver Broncos. I'm feeling great."
Inside linebacker Shea McClellin (knee) is also listed as questionable, but he practiced all week (also limited) and he played last week against the Rams.
Wide out Alshon Jeffery (groin/shoulder), who played last week, and running back Matt Forte (knee), who didn't play last week, are also both listed as questionable. Jeffery was held out of practice the last two days, while Forte returned today on a limited basis.
One thing to keep in mind with these questionable Bears, is they play on Thanksgiving against the Green Bay Packers. So with 2 games in 5 days, they may err on the side of caution and keep a few players back for Thursday night.
The other starter that should make a return is rookie center Hroniss Grasu.
Matt Slauson just told me he's not playing C this week. Sounds like Hroniss Grasu, who was full practice participant, back in lineup. #Bears
— Arthur Arkush (@ArthurArkush) November 20, 2015
Grasu is still waiting for full medical clearance, but he was taking reps at center with Slauson back at his familiar left guard position. Grasu is one of three Bears listed as probable (75% chance they play). Starting safety Antrel Rolle (ankle) and tackle Jermon Bushrod (shoulder) should both be available to play again this week.
For the Denver Broncos, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and quarterback Peyton Manning are both ruled out.
Denver has three players listed as questionable, DE Antonio Smith (hip), DE Vance Walker (shoulder) and WR Emmanuel Sanders (ankle/finger).
The Broncos have a lengthy list of probables;
G Louis Vasquez (back)
DE Derek Wolfe (solar plexus)
LB Danny Trevathan (rib)
LB Shane Ray (knee)
S David Bruton Jr. (quadricep)
TE Virgil Green (finger)
TE Owen Daniels (knee/shoulder)
T Ryan Harris (knee)
RB Ronnie Hillman (quadricep)
C Matt Paradis (elbow)