Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Alshon Jeffery missed practice Thursday with an injury suffered in practice.
Whether his groin injury — suffered Wednesday, per Bears coach John Fox — has the staying power of his other maladies has yet to be seen.
On a short week, perhaps the Bears were simply being cautious. But after a “mild” calf strain cost the wide receiver four preseason games and a hamstring injury kept him Weeks 2-5, concern for his availability Sunday in St. Louis seems appropriate.
Jeffery spent Thursday getting treatment after he “tweaked” his groin, Fox said, one day earlier. He did not speak to the media because he did not practice, per team policy.
“I think, I dunno, he’ll be OK,” quarterback Jay Cutler said. “If he can’t go, we’ve had life without him, and we’ll figure it out with the guys we’ve got.”
Life with him has been sweeter. Jeffery has posted three-straight games with more than 100 receiving yards, matching last year’s total. He had 10 catches for 151 yards, the third-highest mark of his career, in Monday’s 22-19 win in San Diego.
“We’ll just see what happens,” offensive coordinator Adam Gase said. “We’ve got a lot of time this week. I can’t make any predictions on what’s going to happen with him. We’re just taking it day to day right now with him.”
Marc Mariani said the injury “is not something we’re too worried about,” but he and his fellow wide receivers will be ready in case Jeffery cannot play.
“When something like that happens, it’s an all-hands-on-deck-type deal,” Mariani said. “We got a room full of guys that are ready to step up and be out there and be prepared when their number’s called.”
Jeffery was part of a crowded injury report Thursday.
Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee missed practice for the second-straight day with a knee injury, while Eddie Royal continued the second week of his convalescence with the same problem. Defensive lineman Mitch Unrein sat out with an illness, while Robbie Gould was a full participant after missing Wednesday’s practice because he was sick.
Running back Matt Forte was again limited while he recovers from a knee injury that’s already cost him one game and likely will do so again Sunday.
Tackle Jermon Bushrod (shoulder), center Hroniss Grasu (neck), linebacker Shea McClellin (knee), cornerback Tracy Porter (hip) and safety Antrel Rolle (ankle) were all limited.
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Email: pfinley@suntimes.com
