Jay Cutler probably won’t play Sunday, but at least his backup will have his prime target available.
After returning to Bears practice Friday, receiver Alshon Jeffery sounded confident he’ll play against the Cowboys. Jeffery, who was officially ruled questionable after being limited Friday, sat out Thursday with a sore knee first felt Monday night.
“He was dealing with some soreness,” coach John Fox said. “And we held him out just to help get him ready for Sunday.”
Cutler, who did not practice and wore a removable brace on his right thumb, was ruled doubtful. Fox said Cutler had lobbied to play, but it seems likely that Brian Hoyer will make his first Bears start instead.
“All these guys are competitors. They all want to play,” Fox said. “[But] when you’re injured to the point where you’re going to hurt the team, I respect and appreciate guys that will make that decision [not to play through it].
“We’re trying to win games. I know it hasn’t been that noticeable thus far, but hopefully we can get that changed.”
Jeffery spent extra time working on his rapport with Hoyer — “I had a few reps with him the whole practice,” he said — and seemed satisfied with their rhythm.
The receiver one of nine Bears players ruled questionable for the game.
Safety Adrian Amos and cornerback Bryce Callahan will have tests conducted Saturday to see if they’ll be cleared from concussion protocol.
Kyle Fuller is still recovering from preseason arthroscopic knee surgery, while fellow cornerback Tracy Porter spent the week in limited participation because of his own knee injury.
Offensive linemen Josh Sitton (shoulder) and Bobby Massie (toe) both practiced in full and figure to play, despite their questionable designation.
Nose tackle Will Sutton (elbow) practiced in full, while safety Chris Prosinski (calf) was limited. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman — who seems likely to sit with a high ankle sprain — and running back Ka’Deem Carey, who hurt his hamstring Monday, are doubtful.
Danny Trevathan was ruled out two days after having surgery to reattach a thumb ligament.
This and that
• Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (hamstring) didn’t practice and joined tackle Tyron Smith (back), tackle Doug Free (quad) and defensive end Jack Crawford (shoulder) on the questionable list. Linebacker Mark Nzeocha (Achilles’ tendon) is doubtful.
• Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks was fined $18,231 for roughing Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, per sources.
