The likely return of outside linebacker Pernell McPhee figures to aid the Bears’ defense in its quest for a strong finish.
McPhee, who missed the game Sunday against the Bengals with a shoulder injury, participated fully in practice Thursday and is expected to play Saturday against the Lions at Ford Field.
‘‘Just trying to finish out the season on a good note, put great film out there,’’ said McPhee, who had played in every game this season until sitting out last week. ‘‘Go out there for my boys, my brothers, my teammates. That’s what it’s all about. Ain’t nothing going to stop me if I can go.’’
Nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who didn’t play against the Bengals because of a hip injury, was a limited participant in practice and is questionable for the game against the Lions.
RELATED STORIES
Why John Fox’s last three games mean little for his Bears future
Change comes with risk for Bears if DC Vic Fangio doesn’t return
For the second consecutive practice, the Bears had every player on their active roster participate in some form. Tight end Adam Shaheen (chest), safety Adrian Amos (hamstring) and safety DeAndre Houston-Carson (knee) also were limited and are questionable. Wide receiver Kendall Wright, who had been limited, participated fully and is expected to play against the Lions.
Fuller’s hands
Cornerback Kyle Fuller is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season, but he has only one interception, which might deprive him of that honor when the Pro Bowl teams are announced Tuesday. He has had a few near-misses, such as when Bengals receiver A.J. Green held his left arm to prevent an interception Sunday.
The last Bears defender to make the Pro Bowl was cornerback Tim Jennings in 2013, when he had four interceptions. Jennings made the Pro Bowl with nine picks in 2012.
‘‘I think Kyle’s actually got good hands,’’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. ‘‘But he has had four or five of them that he hasn’t quite been able to finish. If he keeps doing that, I think he’ll hold on to a couple of them.’’
Wright’s challenge
Wright became the first Bears player this season with 100 or more receiving yards in a game when he had 10 receptions for 107 yards against the Bengals. Wright has six 100-yard games in his career but never has had them in back-to-back games.
The last Bears receiver with back-to-back 100-yard games was Cam Meredith, who did it twice last season — against the Colts (9-130) and Jaguars (11-113) in Weeks 5-6 and against the Packers (9-104) and Redskins (9-135) in Weeks 14-15.
Follow me on Twitter @MarkPotash.
Email: mpotash@suntimes.com
