The Bears’ once-long injury report now includes one player. Cornerback Kyle Fuller, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery four weeks ago, was limited at practice on Thursday.
“Everybody else fully participated,” coach John Fox said.
That would include right guard Kyle Long, (left shoulder) and receiver Kevin White (hamstring). They were limited in practices last week, but weren’t restricted Sunday against the Houston Texans.
The Bears’ growing faith in Jacoby Glenn and rookie Deiondre’ Hall allows them to be patient with Fuller, whose knee had bothered him since the offseason.
But the emergence of Glenn and Hall also puts pressure on Fuller to return. Fuller’s place on the team was tenuous when he could play. Now, he’s watching others play for the starting spot he’s held the past two seasons.
“It’s just getting him back healthy so he can perform at a high level,” Fox said.
Fuller remains listed as a starter. But so is Ted Larsen at center, although it’s clearly rookie Cody Whitehair’s current position.
There appears to be an open competition at cornerback opposite veteran Tracy Porter, even though Fox isn’t exactly saying as much right now.
“I think first things first,” Fox said. “That’s getting [Fuller] healthy and getting him practicing before we start worrying about the depth chart.”
Punting to Eddie
Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers didn’t need to see veteran receiver Eddie Royal return punts in the preseason to tab him for the responsibility. Royal didn’t play in the preseason because of a concussion.
Royal returned only one punt for 16 yards last season. But Rodgers featured Royal at punt returner more in 2011 with the Broncos. Royal returned 12 punts for 194 yards and a touchdown that season.
“To be honest with you, had he been healthy in the preseason, I’m not sure he would have taken many reps in the preseason for that,” Rodgers said.
“You know, I feel like I know Eddie, and I feel like I know what he brings to the table, so we felt like our best chance to win was him as the punt returner in Week 1. That’s why we went with him.”
Royal’s 31-yard punt return in Houston was the second-longest for the Bears under Rodgers. Nickel back Bryce Callahan had a 34-yarder last season.
“We got the kick that we thought we’d get and the guys did a good job blocking in the open field,” Rodgers said. “Eddie did a good job turning the corner. He’s a dynamic player when he’s healthy.”
Ailing Eagles
The Eagles might be without two starters against the Bears. Tight end Zach Ertz (displaced rib) and cornerback Leodis McKelvin (hamstring) did not practice. Eagles coach Doug Pederson has described both players as “week to week.”
