The Bears began practice Monday afternoon shortly after the peak solar eclipse in Lake Forest. Several players stood on the field wearing protective glasses to admire the crescent sun. And then they got to work.
Pernell McPhee is progressing in his recovery.
The veteran outside linebacker attended practice for the first time since he had arthroscopic right knee surgery July 28. By rule, he is not eligible to participate until he is removed from the active/physically unable to perform list. But the fact he attended is a positive sign.
Still, there is no timetable for his return. The Bears have until the 53-man cutdown Sept. 2 to decide whether to take him off the PUP list or have him miss the first six games.
"We've still got some time to look at that," coach John Fox said. "I don't think it'll happen this week, but we'll evaluate that as we go. When he's cleared medically, he'll be out there."
McPhee missed the first six games last season while on the PUP list with a left knee problem. He also had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
In the rare instances McPhee has been fully healthy, he has helped the run defense with his ability to set the edge. His presence in the outside linebacker rotation also is valuable because it helps ease the pounding on Leonard Floyd, Willie Young and others.
