Bears: ‘Nobody is going to feel sorry for us’ if starting OLBs miss game

The Bears continued to practice without their two starting outside linebackers Thursday.

Khalil Mack is going to consult with doctors and trainers this week before deciding on the next step for his injured left foot. It’s becoming more likely that he won’t face the 49ers. He was the only Bear to miss practice because of an injury.

Robert Quinn remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He’s already 10 days removed from his initial positive test — the minimum quarantine required for unvaccinated players.

“Obviously, the guys are the guys for a reason,” inside linebacker Alec Ogletree said. “But it does give an opportunity for somebody else to step up. Nobody is going to feel sorry for us because we don’t have certain guys there. They’re going out there to whup you just as bad as they were going to try to do the person in front of you.”

Ogletree has talked to Quinn — his friend for years — every day.

“He’s been in the house a long time,” he said. “He’s trying to find stuff to keep himself busy. So when he gets back, you can ask him how that went. But, to me, he’s doing fine. He wishes he could be here with us. He’s doing what he can to stay engaged. He’s been on the Zoom calls the last couple of days in the meetings and stuff. He still has a big presence in this locker room and on our defense.”

Another positive

An unnamed Bears staff member — not an assistant coach or player — tested positive for the coronavirus Thursday morning, a source said, forcing the team to remain in the league’s strict protocols amid an outbreak.

After conducting meetings and interviews through Zoom on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Bears were scheduled to hold news conferences Thursday at Halas Hall. A half-hour before they were set to begin, the Bears canceled the plan and decided to hold the news conferences via Zoom.

Coach Matt Nagy remains out with the coronavirus after testing positive Monday.

Because he’s vaccinated, he would need to test negative twice in a two-day span to coach against San Francisco on Sunday.

The Bears took inside linebacker Caleb Johnson off the reserve/COVID-19 list. Johnson, who is vaccinated, was put on the list Sunday before the Buccaneers game.

Right tackle Elijah Wilkinson and tight end Jimmy Graham remain on the list. Graham has said he’s vaccinated; Wilkinson is not.

Injury report

After being limited in practice Wednesday with an ankle injury suffered against the Packers, returner Jakeem Grant was a full participant.

Safety Tashaun Gipson (hip) and defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (groin) remained limited.

Seven 49ers — offensive tackle Trent Williams (ankle, elbow), safety Jaquiski Tartt (knee), linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (concussion) and defensive linemen Nick Bosa (non-injury), Dee Ford (concussion), Javon Kinlaw (knee) and Maurice Hurst (calf) — did not practice.