Exactly four weeks after first being put into the NFL’s concussion protocol, Bears tight end Zach Miller and receiver Eddie Royal practiced in full for the first time Monday.
Neither has played an exhibition game, but Bears coach John Fox said it was “not particularly” important for them to play Thursday against the Browns.
“The fact that they’re cleared now that makes them legit to be active,” he said. “And we’ll make those decisions as we get closer to the Cleveland game.”
Fox called their conditioning “pretty good” but they need to work on timing in the passing game.
QB talk
Fox wouldn’t rule out playing David Fales for all of Thursday’s game. The team doesn’t seem likely to add a fourth quarterback simply to give him a backup against the Browns.
Reserve Connor Shaw, who had surgery to repair a left leg broken Saturday, sounds like a favorite of the coaching staff.
“Connor stepped in — regardless of circumstances or who was out there — and did a terrific job,” he said. “I think he sparked or inspired the team, or how you want to look at it. It’s just a really unfortunate injury. I think he’s got a bright future here. We’ll get him healed up and get him back out there.”
This and that
• Defensive end Akiem Hicks (personal matter) and guard Ted Larsen (illness) missed practice Monday.
• Tight end Ben Braunecker (ankle) and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (hamstring) were limited.
• The Bears need to trim five players off their 80-man roster by 3 p.m. Tuesday.
