Receiver Eddie Royal hasn’t practiced all week because of a calf injury. But that doesn’t mean he won’t play Sunday against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Royal was listed as questionable instead of doubtful on the Bears’ final injury report for the week.
“We don’t have a ‘No practice, no play’ policy,” coach John Fox said Friday at Halas Hall. “It’s just a matter of if we deem we’re better with him than without him. We’ll make that judgment.”
The Bears definitely need Royal with receiver Kevin White on injured reserve. Royal has 18 catches for 241 yards and two touchdowns this season.
But Royal is one of 18 players on the injury report.
As expected, quarterback Jay Cutler (sprained right thumb) was listed as doubtful for the third consecutive week after not participating once in practice this week. Running back Jeremy Langford and defensive tackle Eddie Goldman also remain doubtful because of their high-ankle sprains.
Rookie outside linebacker Leonard Floyd’s ailing calf has improved, though. He returned to practice in limited fashion on Friday.
“I’ll be all right for Sunday,” Floyd said. “It depends on just how the leg feels. Thumbs up, thumbs down. If [head trainer Nate Breske] gives me the green light, I’m going to go. If they don’t, I’m going to sit out.”
Floyd has been slowed by various minor injuries since training camp. Fox suggested that Floyd’s ailments have been the result of a rookie adjusting to the NFL.
“[It’s] just getting used to the game at this level,” Fox said. “I’ve seen it be issues for young guys when they first come in the league.”
There were two new additions to the Bears’ injury list: left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and rookie cornerback Deiondre’ Hall.
Leno Jr. sat out Friday because of an illness. He is listed as questionable, but Fox didn’t seem overly concerned.
“He was actually getting checked out to make sure it wasn’t anything serious,” Fox said, “and thank goodness it wasn’t.”
Hall rolled his ankle late in practice on Thursday. Fox said it “flared up” on Friday morning. He is officially doubtful for Sunday.
The following players are listed as questionable after being limited in practice: receiver Alshon Jeffery (knee), left guard Josh Sitton (shoulder), linebacker Danny Trevathan (thumb surgery), tight end Zach Miller (ribs), cornerback Tracy Porter (knee), outside linebacker Willie Young (knee/elbow), linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (elbow), special-teamer Sherrick McManis (hamstring), running back Ka’Deem Carey (hamstring) and defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (shoulder).
Jeffery, Sitton, Trevathan, Miller, Porter and Young are expected to play against the Colts.
