Charles Tillman questionable vs. Steelers; fined for horse-collar tackle vs. Vikings

Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Steelers with a right knee injury. He was limited in practice for the second day in a row on Friday after not practicing on Wednesday.

Coach Marc Trestman, though, still remains optimistic that he’ll play.

“He worked today,” Trestman said of Tillman. “He worked about half the reps. We’ll leave it up to Charles and our trainers to see where he is. We’re optimistic. But we don’t know right now. That’s why he is listed the way he is.”

Tillman, meanwhile, was fined $15,750 by the NFL for his horse-collar tackle last Sunday against the Vikings. Tillman dragged receiver Greg Jennings down out of bounds the Vikings sideline early in the fourth quarter and was penalized 15 yards on the play.

Tillman didn’t have his hand in Jennings’ pads behind his neck, but hauled him down by the right shoulder pad.

If Tillman can’t play or is limited against the Steelers, look for veteran cornerback Zack Bowman to see his playing time increase. Second-year cornerback and starting nickel back Isaiah Frey also is an option.

“I feel confident in all the guys that we have on our roster,” defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said. “That’s why they are here. They are good football players who know what we need to get done. We have total confidence in guys to step up and make plays when needed, to go in games and do that. That’s where we are.

“We want everyone moving forward together. We tell them from the beginning, we’re going to need every one at some point to go in there and play winning football for us. I have no reservations whatsoever to have guys go in the game when called upon to get the job done.”