1985 Bears Coverage: Covert still hurting

Every day of the 2015 Chicago Bears season, Chicago Sun-Times Sports will revisit its coverage 30 years ago during the 1985 Bears’ run to a Super Bowl title.

Covert still hurting

Kevin Lamb

Originally published Sept. 27, 1985

Left tackle Jimbo Covert was expected to come out of Lake Forest Hospital today after two days of treatment for back spasms. He spent some time in traction yesterday, but coach Mike Ditka said, “He can get up and get around now. He couldn’t do that the other day. So

he’s getting better. It’s going to be touch-and-go whether he plays against Washington Sunday. We’ll just hope for the best.”

Ditka called Covert “questionable to doubtful” for Sunday, which puts the odds at about 2-1 that Andy Frederick will replace him. He said chances are a little better for strong safety Dave Duerson, who has a pulled groin muscle.

“I intend to play,” said Duerson, whose practice this week will be limited to walk-throughs. “He’s not going to do anything until Sunday,” Ditka said. Duerson would be replaced in various situations by Shaun Gayle or Wilber Marshall, with Cliff Thrift replacing Marshall at linebacker.

The extra day’s practice has been especially beneficial to the Bears’ defense, Ditka said, because of the variety of Washington’s offensive formations.

“Offensively, we’re not going to have a hard time finding them,” Ditka said. “They’ll be right there.”