Bears expect OLB Khalil Mack, WR Allen Robinson to return to practice

As the Bears prepare for three-straight divisional games, the cavalry, it seems, is coming.

Coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday that he expects outside linebacker Khalil Mack and wide receiver Allen Robinson to practice later in the day. They missed their last two games with a knee injury and groin injury, respectively. That’s a distinct change from the Bears’ plan the last two weeks, when Mack and Robinson both sat out Wednesday and Thursday practices.

Mack participated in the Bears’ walk-through earlier Wednesday, cornerback Prince Amukamara said.

“Man, when he came out to walk-through, I’m like, ‘Yes — If he’s in walkthrough he has to be paying this week,’” he said. “But I don’t know his status yet. But him being out on walk-through is huge for me. I think everyone’s excited. Even to have [Robinson] back, if he is this week, we’re just happy that everyone’s here as a team and to finally putting it all together. “Nagy said the Bears also believe Adam Shaheen will practice Wednesday. That would start a three-week window in which the Bears can return Shaheen, who is on injured reserve with a right foot and ankle injury, to game action. The former second-round pick was hurt in the preseason against the Broncos. Fellow tight end Ben Braunecker has been cleared from concussion protocol, too.

Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols, who did not play Sunday against the Bills because of a knee injury, is also expected to return to practice.

Nagy said he wasn’t sure to what extent any of the above would participate — but given that none practiced late last week, the development is progress.