Wide receivers Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) were among nine Bears players, including five starters, who sat out practice Wednesday as Marc Trestman’s squad began preparations in earnest for Sunday’s game against Lovie Smith’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Marshall (7-90, 2 TDs) and Jeffery (11-135, 1 TD) combined for 18 receptions for 225 yards and three touchdowns in the Bears’ 21-13 victory over the Vikings on Sunday.
The other starters who did not practice were given a veteran’s day off: linebacker Lance Briggs, defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff and running back Matt Forte.
Rookie defensive tackle Ego Ferguson (illness), defensive end Trevor Scott (knee), linebacker Darrl Sharpton (hamstring) and wide receiver/kick returner Chris Williams (hamstring) also sat out.
Guard Eben Britton (appendectomy), offensive tackle Jordan Mills (ribs) and wide receiver Josh Morgan (shoulder) were limited.
The Buccaneers had only three players on their injury report — all had limited participation in practice: linebacker Lavonte David (hamstring), running back Doug Martin (ankle) and cornerback Alterraun Verner (hamstring).
