Bears turn in film of hit on Mitch Trubisky for league review

The Bears submitted film to the NFL that shows Saints edge rusher Alex Okafor decking Mitch Trubisky during the return of Trubisky’s fourth-quarter interception Sunday.

Article 9(f) of the NFL rule book says a quarterback can’t be hit after a change of possession “unless he assumes a distinctly defensive position.” Trubisky jogged lightly toward the right sideline, where returner Marshon Lattimore was headed, but never ran forward. Guard Josh Sitton was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct when he retaliated against Okafor.

RELATED STORIES

TELANDER: Remembering Walter Payton: 18 years after death of Sweetness

In the shadows, unsung Mitch Unrein big part of Bears’ resurgent ‘D’

“Just try to keep the officiating crew ahead of the game, to kind of see what causes things,” coach John Fox said. “And they’re aware. And I think they’ll continue to coach their people.”

Injury update

Wide receiver Markus Wheaton (groin), guard Tom Compton (left foot), defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris (hamstring) and cornerbacks Sherrick McManis (hamstring) and Bryce Callahan (knee) weren’t spotted at practice Wednesday. Neither were tight end Dion Sims, inside linebacker Danny Trevathan and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee.

Asked if Trevathan and McPhee merely received veteran days off — they weren’t spotted at practice on consecutive days — Fox refused to offer specifics, saying the Bears didn’t have to give an update until next week’s injury report.

Bye week

Players and coaches don’t have to return to Halas Hall until Monday’s practice. “We did a lot of self-scouting things over the last three days,” Fox said, “and [coaches] are going to get the same break as the players.”

Follow me on Twitter @patrickfinley.

Email: pfinley@suntimes.com