Just when it looked like Alshon Jeffery was about to reach full health after dealing with a strained calf for weeks, a new ailment has developed for the Bears’ No. 1 receiver.
Jeffery was held of out practice on Friday with a hamstring injury. Coach John Fox said he’s questionable for Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Jeffery still is listed with a calf injury, too.
“He’ll be day-to-day, questionable for the game,” Fox said. “He had some hamstring tightness after yesterday’s practice, and we held him out today.”
Jeffery had fully participated in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Jeffery also said he felt good after leading the Bears with five catches for 78 yards against the Packers.
Share Events on The CubeNot having Jeffery would be a definite blow for an offense that was looking to do more with him, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson after they dealt with injuries in the preseason.
“He’s a great player,” running back Matt Forte said. We don’t have another Alshon on the team, so obviously, it’s going to hurt.”
Even with Jeffery, the Cardinals are formidable challenge. Cornerback Patrick Peterson is one of the league’s best at his position, a mismatch for nearly all receivers.
“[Peterson] 6-foot-1, 220 pounds and then he runs a 4.3 40-yard dash,” quarterback Jay Cutler said. “You see him jam guys and then run with anybody on the field. He got unbelievable ball skills. He’s not a guy you really want to take a lot of chances with.”
Missing McPhee?
The Bears could also be with outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (wrist, knee) against the Cardinals. He’s missed the last two practices and is listed as questionable.
If McPhee is sidelined, the Bears will turn to veterans Willie Young, Lamarr Houston and Sam Acho. Young was the first reserve against the Packers, playing 22 snaps.
“He’s getting more and more comfortable,” Fox said of Young’s work at linebacker. “I like his progress.”
Houston played only four snaps in Week 1, while Acho is probable after missed weeks because of an undisclosed illness.
Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers is looking forward to using Acho in some “bigger-body” roles.
“He’s an experienced guy who’s been battle-tested through the league,” Rodgers said. “We’re happy with what he did in the preseason.”
Other injuries
Left tackle Jermon Bushrod (back) didn’t practice, but is probable. Defensive end Ego Ferguson (knee) missed practice after being limited on Thursday and is questionable.
Linebacker Jon Bostic (ankle) and cornerback Tracy Porter (hamstring) were ruled out.
