Mitch Trubisky throws in practice, but Chase Daniel expected to start vs. Giants

Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw passes for the first time since suffering a sprained shoulder Nov. 18 against the Vikings but is listed as doubtful and isn’t expected to play against the Giants on Sunday at the Meadowlands. Chase Daniel is expected to get his second consecutive start after helping the Bears beat the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.

Still, Trubisky’s increased participation in practice Friday was a sign that with another week of rest he could start against the Rams in a nationally televised NFC showdown.

“That was a good thing,” coach Matt Nagy said, “so we were able to see that and see where he’s at and it’s an up arrow, which is always good.”

Defensive end Akiem Hicks, who has been dealing with a sore Achilles, was a full participant in practice for the first time this week. He is listed as questionable but is expected to play against the Giants.

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“It was more precautionary I think,” Nagy said. “For him to practice today was good, so I feel confident with him.”

Elsewhere on the injury report, Sherrick McManis (hamstring) and Benny Cunningham (ankle), two key special-teams contributors, did not practice and are listed as doubtful. Rookie defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (knee) was a limited participant and is questionable.

Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch and tight end Adam Shaheen, both of whom missed the game against the Lions with a concussion, were full participants and are expected to play.

Trubisky’s recovery remains a day-to-day thing. Nagy said Trubisky not throwing before Friday was a prescription for healing rather than a result of discomfort. Still, it’s uncertain he’ll be ready against the Rams. Trubisky was limited to only individual drills on Friday.

“We decided with listing him as doubtful, that’s something we had to do,” Nagy said. “But we feel good in the fact that he threw. And we’ll continue seeing where he’s at every day. Maybe there’s a day where he doesn’t feel good, and he has to be honest with us. Maybe there’s a day where he feels great. But he felt good [Friday] and I like that.”

The Bears feel they’re in good hands with Daniel. The nine-year veteran completed 27 of 37 passes for 230 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 106.8 passer rating against the Lions. This time, he’ll have the added benefit of a full week of starter’s reps in practice.