Bears right tackle Larry Borom will not play against the Cowboys on Sunday because of a concussion that prevented him from practicing this week.
Coach Matt Eberflus would not name a replacement for Borom, but veteran Riley Reiff, a 10-year starter with the Lions, Vikings and Bengals, is likely to start against a Cowboys defense that leads the NFL in sacks with 29 and has forced six quarterback fumbles (four recovered).
“Reiff’s been ready,” Eberflus said. “He’s played a lot of snaps in the league and knows his assignment. He’s always been a consummate pro.”
Reiff, 33, took a workmanlike approach to the opportunity.
“It’s football, man,” he said. “I’m just gonna go out there and play.”
It will be the first fill-in role for Reiff since his rookie season with the Lions in 2012.
“You always got to be ready in this business,” he said. “Crazy stuff happens. Just always got to be ready.”
Continuity on the offensive line has been elusive for the Bears and line coach Chris Morgan. This will be the fourth different starting lineup in the last six games. Guard Cody Whitehair (knee) and center Lucas Patrick (toe) are on injured reserve. With Borom out, only rookie left tackle Braxton Jones will have started every game.
The Bears have no other injured players this week. Veteran defensive lineman Armon Watts (personal) practiced Friday and will play against the Cowboys.
Elliott doubtful
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is doubtful with a knee injury after missing practice all week.
Elliott, not quite the dominant force he was in his first four seasons in the NFL (2016-19), has 109 carries for 443 yards (4.1 average) and four touchdowns.
The Cowboys figure to lean on Elliott cohort Tony Pollard, who has rushed for 375 yards and two touchdowns on 67 carries (5.6 average).
Leatherwood progressing
Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood was activated off the reserve/non-football injury list. The 2021 first-round pick who started all 17 games with the Raiders as a rookie was signed off waivers on Aug. 31.
He was put on the NFI list with mononucleosis Sept. 14 and returned to practice Oct. 12.
“Work in progress,” Eberflus said. “He hasn’t been here that long. He’s only been back a couple of weeks now, so it’s where we would think it is.
“But he’s working diligently at it with the coaches. We think he’s in a good spot.’’
Ode to Rob
Eberflus echoed the sentiment of everyone at Halas Hall with a nod to defensive end Robert Quinn, who was traded to the Eagles on Wednesday for a fourth-round pick.
“Just want to thank him for everything he did when he was here,” Eberflus said. “The relationship he and I built here was fantastic.
‘‘His leadership was great. Work ethic was unbelievable on the field. Strong family man. I really respect Robert Quinn, so I wish him the best of luck with the team he’s with now and nothing but the best for him.”
