Talking points: John Fox, Alshon Jeffery dismiss reports, rumors

Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and coach John Fox spent part Thursday at Halas Hall dismissing stories that involved them.

For Jeffery, it meant shrugging off trade rumors. He’s recently been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles. The trade deadline is Tuesday at 3 p.m.

There are number of reasons why trading Jeffery is unlikely. For starters, he’s playing under the franchise tag, meaning he can’t be extended and could turn into eight-game rental player.

The Bears also need Jeffery, who was voted a team captain, this year and beyond. Receiver Kevin White’s injury situation increases Jeffery’s value.

Even if the Bears feel as if Jeffery can’t be re-signed at a common-ground price in the offseason, the team still would receive a mid-round compensatory pick if he leaves in free agency.

“I mean, that’s just stories,” Jeffery said of the trade rumors. “That’s what you guys [the media] are supposed to do. Write stories.

“When you wake up in the morning, a million people have said a million things about you, good or bad.”

Fox, meanwhile, dismissed a local report that stated that he was telling his friends that he was done with quarterback Jay Cutler.

“There is absolutely no truth to that,” Fox said. “People can say whatever they want. That’s the unfortunate part of this profession. But absolutely not true.”

McPhee matters

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said he was pleased with what outside linebacker Pernell McPhee did last week against the Packers.

It was the first game McPhee was allowed to play in after starting the season on the physically unable-to-perform list following offseason surgery on his left knee.

Interestingly enough, Fangio said he didn’t play a role in the decision to activate McPhee from the PUP list.

“It wasn’t my decision, and it’s a difficult decision,” Fangio said. “I think you always have to be prudent when you put players out there, and he hardly had any practice time.

“You guys [the media] saw what practice was like last week on a Thursday game, we didn’t even wear helmets. It was a bold decision, and it turned out fine.”

McPhee got only 19 plays in Green Bay. He took part in a light practice on Tuesday and was limited during a full-padded practice on Thursday.

“He’s going to get better and better,” Fangio said. “The key for him is will he get better and better or will he have a setback? So, we’ll see.”

The injury list

Right guard Kyle Long (triceps), left guard Josh Sitton (right ankle), receiver Eddie Royal (toe), defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (high ankle sprain), cornerback Deiondre’ Hall (ankle) and cornerback Bryce Callahan (hamstring) did not practice.

Inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Nick Kwiatkoski sat out because of illnesses.

Running back Jeremy Langford (high ankle sprain), cornerback Tracy Porter (knee) and receiver Cameron Meredith (shoulder) were limited.