Injuries have the Chicago Bears’ defensive back seven in flux ahead of Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady.
Cornerback Kyle Fuller sat out Wednesday’s practice with a right hip pointer and a broken right hand. His status for Sunday’s game is uncertain.
There was some favorable news, though. Safety Chris Conte (right shoulder) fully participated in practice. Linebackers Lance Briggs (ribs) and Jonathan Bostic (back) participated to a limited extent after each missed last Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins.
If Fuller can’t play against the Patriots, veteran Sherrick McManis likely would start. He replaced Fuller in the second half Sunday. McManis has been battling knee and quadriceps injuries of him own.
“He’s going to bring some tenacity,” cornerback Tim Jennings said when asked what McManis could provide the defense. “Sherrick, he’s a guy that’s hungry for that football, so he’s a guy that’ll create turnovers. He has a knack for punching the ball out. He has been playing great for us. He had a great camp. I just think once we get Sherrick to 100 percent, he’s going to be able to fly around and make some plays.”
Conte’s full participation Wednesday strongly indicates he’s expected to play against the Patriots. He missed last Sunday’s game due to his sprained right shoulder, but he also has suffered two concussions since Aug. 22 and sprained his left shoulder during the regular season.
“I got a week without having to put stress on my body, so I definitely feel fresher,” Conte said after practice. “It helped me a lot, a chance to rest my body and let a few injuries heal.”
Briggs practiced for the first time since Oct. 3. He and Bostic have missed the last two games. They are the two first-string linebackers in the Bears’ nickel package, the Bears’ most common personnel grouping against sets that include three or more receivers.
Tight end Martellus Bennett sat out practice with a hamstring injury. He said he expects to practice Thursday and play Sunday.
“I feel a lot more rested,” he said. “I’ll be back out there tomorrow with the guys doing some things, and Friday, and still preparing for the game.”
Safety Danny McCray missed practice with what he called lingering knee soreness from Sunday’s game.
