Bears quarterback Nick Foles returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering hip and glute injuries in a 19-13 loss to the Vikings on Nov. 16 — but as the team’s No. 2 quarterback.
Mitch Trubisky, who played for Foles in a 41-25 loss to the Packers on Sunday night at Lambeau Field, will start Sunday against the Lions at Soldier Field, coach Matt Nagy said.
Foles was limited in practice Wednesday.
“I was trying to get a feel for him when he’s in the pocket — is he hesitant with stepping into his throws? What kind of velocity is coming off the ball? And I thought he did a pretty good job,” Nagy said.” I think for him, and I was asking him as we went, where he’s at?
“I think he would be the first to tell you that, No. 1, it was good to get out there and do some of that. But at the same time, is he 100% where he needs to be? I would probably guess to venture that he would say no, he’s not.”
Akiem Hicks still out
Defensive end Akiem Hicks, who did not play against the Packers because of a hamstring injury, did not practice Wednesday.
“I feel like he’s getting better,” Nagy said. “I’m hoping he’ll be able to go.”
Mack sits out
Outside linebacker Khalil Mack, who had been off the injury list for four weeks, did not practice because of a knee injury. He previously had been on the injury list against the Saints (ankle), Rams (back) and in the first five weeks of the season with a sore knee. But he has played in every game this season.
Left tackle Charles Leno (toe) was the only other player who did not practice because of an injury. He played through the injury against the Packers. Guard Germain Ifedi was limited with a calf injury.
Tight end Jimmy Graham, rookie cornerback Buster Skrine and linebacker Danny Trevathan were rested.
Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (hip) and cornerback Jeff Okudah (shoulder) were among five players who did not practice Wednesday. Both missed the opener against the Bears with previous injuries.
My Cause My Cleats
More than 30 Bears players are participating in the NFL’s ‘My Cause My Cleats’ program in support of charitable programs. The players will wear specially designed shoes either in pre-game or during the game against the Lions on Sunday.
Wide receiver Allen Robinson is one of several players supporting their own organization, “Allen Robinson’s Within Reach Foundation,” which helps provide educational opportunities and resources for low-income and inner-city youth.
“It’s always exciting for me, being able to show off the work and the true testament to not myself, but the community and everything that goes into it,” Robinson said. “It’s something that I can’t just do on my own. It takes support from the community … from the people around me to be able to provide these opportunities and be able to help others.”
