Oct. 10--After every practice, John Fox rattles through the most updated log of Bears injuries. It's a process that seems to be growing more tedious and time-consuming every week. Friday, for example, Fox ran through 16 names on his official Week 5 injury report. And folded within that list was the reality that his Bears will face the Chiefs on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium with two opening-day starters out, another doubtful and nine others questionable to play.
Left tackle Jermon Bushrod remains out after suffering both a concussion and a shoulder injury in Week 3. Center Will Montgomery is done for the season with a broken leg. And safety Antrel Rolle is doubtful with an ankle problem.
Among those questionable for the Bears? Receiver Alshon Jeffery missed Friday's practice and could miss his fourth consecutive game, still hindered by a nagging hamstring issue. Others who are questionable and missed practice Friday include outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (shoulder), receiver Eddie Royal (ankle) and guard Patrick Omameh (ankle).
Injury setbacks have been a significant contributing factor in the Bears' 1-3 start. And Fox has been left in recent weeks to weigh whether the health problems are simply part of the natural order in the NFL or whether this season is trending toward an extreme at Halas Hall.
"It comes in waves, just like turnovers," Fox said. "Sometime they just come in waves. Hopefully it thins out."
With so much uncertainty on the offensive line and in the receiving corps, the Bears will remain in scramble mode against the Chiefs. The difficulty in developing continuity and building momentum on offense remains obvious.
"It's hard," quarterback Jay Cutler said. "It's hard as a play-caller, especially when you don't know who you're going to have (up on) Sunday, who you're going to have available on a Wednesday and Thursday (for practice). As we're putting in plays, it's always who's going to be up, who's not going to be up. But we're making do."
dwiederer@tribpub.com
