Running back Armando Allen, who lost a battle with Lorenzo Booker last week, is expected to be promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Booker has missed practice this week, after suffering a head injury in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns Aug. 30. He’s officially listed as questionable, which means he’s 50-50 to play.
Allen had a strong preseason, particularly against the Browns, but Booker may have edged him out because he’s a little more versatile on special teams.
The Bears will need to make a corresponding roster move, and linebacker Patrick Trahan could be the odd man out. But, with punter Adam Podlesh expected to play Sunday — he’s currently listed as probable — the Bears won’t carry rookie punter Ryan Quigley much longer. Quigley, though, could stick around through the Colts game, as insurance for Podlesh.
“It would be a loss [to not have Booker], but we have at those positions, you try to have a lot of players. Not a lot, but a few who can do some of the same things,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “And we feel we have a couple of guys who can do the same things.”
UPDATE: Bears announced Saturday afternoon that Allen was promoted from the practice squad, Booker’s contract was terminated and Trahan was waived.