Injuries remain a big storyline for the Bears

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Bears’ exhibition game Thursday against the New England Patriots could prove to be a good gauge of their depth.

Several notable players could be sitting out.

Tight end Zach Miller took part in what was essentially a speedy walk-through in Foxborough on Wednesday. It came a day after Miller’s doctor’s appointment for his concussion delayed his arrival at practice, which was moved to the morning because scattered storms in the afternoon.

“It felt good to get back out there,” said Miller, who was wearing a non-contact jersey. “It’s no fun to be on the sideline any time. [It’s] get a little sweat, get integrated back into the offense.”

But the positive news ends there.

Compared to Miller, veteran receiver Eddie Royal hasn’t made nearly as much progress as he deals with his own concussion. He attended practice, but didn’t actively engage in it as Miller did.

There also haven’t been any new developments with outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee). He joined the team on the trip and has watched every practice. But McPhee’s recovery work has primarily come off the field.

Linebacker Danny Trevathan, meanwhile, remained on the sidelines a day after coach John Fox said he was given a day off for “just rest.” Trevathan has been dealing with a bothersome knee.

Cornerback Bryce Callahan, who also is the first nickel back, joined Trevathan as a spectator for the second consecutive day. He is dealing with what Fox generally termed a “muscle strain.”

Callahan’s availability is important because cornerback Kyle Fuller’s status is undetermined. Fuller didn’t travel to New England because of a knee injury, which has hindered him since the offseason.

During an interview on WGN Radio’s “Intentional Grounding” podcast, general manager Ryan Pace said Fuller’s knee injury had become problematic.

“He’s kind of had this nagging injury that we thought maybe he could play with,” Pace said. “But as time went on, you could tell it was affecting his movement skills.

“So for us last week, it was like, ‘All right guys, let’s press pause. Let’s take another look at this and make sure we’re exploring all our options.’

“And that’s what we’ve done. He’s [been] getting evaluated over the last couple days, and I’m optimistic that’s something we can get ahold of [to] make him a better player.”

As of Wednesday, the Bears are yet to make a decision on Fuller.

“Those medical evaluations are going on still right now,” Pace said.

Running back Ka’Deem Carey (concussion) has worn a non-contact jersey at practice all week. Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (hamstring) and tight end Ben Braunecker (ankle) also remain out.