1985 Bears Coverage: Ditka believes everyone will play despite injuries

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.

—

Brian Hewitt

Originally published Sept. 4, 1985

The Bears placed tight end Pat Dunsmore (quadricep) on injured reserve and activated defensive lineman Henry Waechter, whom they cut Monday. Waechter cleared waivers and was eligible to be re-signed.

The Bears also placed guard Stefan Humphries (tricep) on injured reserve and recalled waived offensive lineman Tom Andrews. Andrews spent Monday in Atlanta trying out with the Falcons, who decided not to sign him. . . .

Wide receiver Dennis McKinnon left practice early, apparently not fully recovered from July arthroscopic knee surgery.

“We’re a little nicked up,” said Bear coach Mike Ditka, looking ahead to Sunday’s season opener against Tampa Bay at Soldier Field. “But I think everybody will play.” . . .

Offensive tackle Keith Van Horne (ankle) did not suit up for practice. Wide receiver James Maness (flu) didn’t even make an appearence.

As of late yesterday afternoon, there were 3,089 tickets left for the Tampa Bay game. If they aren’t sold by noon tomorrow, the telecast of the game will be blacked out locally by WBBM-TV (Ch. 2). The number of tickets sold yesterday: 611. The first two Bear home games last year were blacked out. . . .

Nine of Bear safety Gary Fencik’s 30 interceptions have come against the Buccaneers. Fencik is the second-leading all-time Bear interceptor. The leader is Richie Petitbon with 37. . . .

As Ditka was leaving the practice field, a young fan told Ditka he approved of his decision to keep placekicker Kevin Butler instead of Bob Thomas. “It better be a good decision,” Ditka said in mock anger. “If it isn’t, you’re in trouble.”