Bears still waiting to make PUP decision on OLB Pernell McPhee

The Bears don’t figure to activate outside linebacker Pernell McPhee off the physically unable-to-perform list until at least after the preseason game Sunday.

“I don’t think it’ll happen this week, but we’ll just kind of evaluate that as we go,” coach John Fox said. “When he’s cleared medically, he’ll be out there.”

McPhee did not pass his physical when he reported to camp July 27 — Fox said the team found a “little irregularity” in his left knee — and had arthroscopic surgery two days later.

McPhee can attend meetings but cannot practice while on the PUP list. If he’s still on the list at the end of the preseason, he’ll be forced to sit out of practice and games for at least the first six weeks.

Houston confident

Outside linebacker Lamarr Houston has “definitely come on,” Fox said, as he fights for a spot on the team. Houston is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year.

“He’s gained a lot more confidence,” Fox said. “I think you saw it in practice over the last week and a half. We’ve increased his team reps.”

His 19 snaps against the Cardinals “went very well,” Fox said.

This and that

Defensive end Jonathan Bullard did not attend practice after suffering a glute injury Saturday and is “day-to-day,” Fox said.

— Running back Jordan Howard is “fine,” Fox said, after being poked in the eye during Friday’s walk-through. He was in attendance Monday, as was guard Kyle Long.

Follow me on Twitter@patrickfinley.

Email: pfinley@suntimes.com

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