Linebacker Lance Briggs’ groin injury doesn’t appear to be season-ending, a source told the Sun-Times on Monday, while cornerback Kyle Fuller had insisted Sunday that his knee injury rendered him “day-to-day.”
Coach Marc Trestman wouldn’t get into specifics on Monday about his two defensive starters, each of whom were hurt in the second quarter of the 21-13 victory against the Buccaneers.
“It’s an ongoing situation today. As we gather information all I can do is leave it at that,” Trestman said. “And we’ll see where things are [Tuesday].”
Per league rules, the Bears were required to release an injury report Monday as if they had practiced. Both would have been held out.
The Bears won’t practice in the three days leading up to the game on Thursday in Detroit.
“We’ll see where Kyle is and we’ll work through that — as we don’t have as much time or practice time,” Trestman said.
Backups plan
Trestman sounded impressed with rookie Al Louis-Jean, who played 36 snaps in Fuller’s place. The undrafted free agent from Boston College, who turned 21 last month, got his most playing time since playing 51 snaps against the New England Patriots.
“He’s competitive, he’s been physical,” Trestman said. “He’s gone in and tackled, and tackled, gone hip-to-hip with some good receivers in the times that he’s played.”
Backup linebacker Christian Jones, who would take Briggs’ place, also is “stepping up,” Trestman said.
This and that
Jordan Mills, who suffered a rib injury against the Packers, would have practiced in full for the first time since the injury. Left guard Brian de la Puente would have sat with an ankle injury. If Mills is healthy Thursday, he could conceivably move right tackle Michael Ola to de la Puente’s guard spot.
† Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (knee), end Trevor Scott (knee), linebacker Darryl Sharpton (hamstring) and wideout Chris Williams (hamstring) would not have practiced, the team said. Receiver Brandon Marshall (ankle) and safety Brock Vereen (shoulder) would have been limited.
† The Lions said wide receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) and defensive tackle Nick Fairley (knee), among others, would not have practiced.
Email: pfinley@suntimes.com
Twitter: @patrickfinley
