The star of the Bears’ defense appears set to return. After sitting out two days, outside linebacker Pernell McPhee practiced in a limited manner at Halas Hall on Friday and sounded like a player eager to face the Broncos.
Officially, McPhee is listed as questionable because of his knee injury. He missed the Bears’ 37-13 victory against the Rams last week.
“My mentality is [that] I’m looking forward to playing the Denver Broncos,” McPhee said. “I am feeling great and I’m ready for whatever challenges come.”
McPhee said he’s disappointed that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (foot/rib cage) has been ruled out.
“I want to play Peyton, man,” McPhee said. “He’s the great one. I want to play him, but unfortunately he ain’t going to be out there. I hope he gets healthy soon and finishes off his career in a good way.”
Instead, McPhee will have to run down Brock Osweiler, who is making his first career start.
Without McPhee, the Bears defense flustered Rams quarterback Nick Foles, who was sacked once, hit 10 times and completed only 53.0 percent of his passes.
But McPhee, who leads the Bears with five sacks, seven tackles for loss and 16 quarterback pressures, still was missed. The Bears are a more fearsome group with him.
“It’s going to be fun,” McPhee said. “I’m pretty sure Peyton is going to do a good job of getting the guy ready to face us.”
McPhee said his practice work on Friday consisted of being put in game-like situations.
“I feel great,” he said.
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