Sept. 18--The Bears could be without premier players on both sides of the ball Sunday against the Cardinals. Receiver Alshon Jeffery and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee did not practice Friday after suffering new injuries late this week.
Jeffery experienced tightness in a hamstring after practice Thursday. He was not listed on the injury report Wednesday or Thursday. A strained left calf sidelined him for 27 days during the preseason, and he was not at full fitness in Sunday's season-opening loss to the Packers.
Coach John Fox said Jeffery is "day to day."
"We do have a next-man-up mentality, so guys have obviously been working in there and studying," running back Matt Forte said. "He's a great player. We don't have another Alshon on the team, so obviously it's going to hurt."
Jeffery had five catches for 78 yards against the Packers. If he can't play against the Cardinals, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson would be positioned atop the depth chart, based on playing time last week. Josh Bellamy or Marc Mariani probably would play more in sets that include more than two receivers.
"We've got plenty of receivers that (are) capable of stepping up and getting the job done," Wilson said.
McPhee also sat out Thursday, the same day his knee injury was disclosed on the injury report. A wrist problem limited him Wednesday.
Willie Young was the third outside linebacker in the Week 1 rotation, and Lamarr Houston would be in line to play more if McPhee sits out. Houston played only four snaps against the Packers.
rcampbell@tribpub.com
