Dec. 21--Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will begin Week 16 in a familiar spot -- receiving treatment for a leg muscle injury with status unclear for the upcoming game.
"I think we've had some practice," coach John Fox said Monday afternoon. "I don't know if that's a good thing."
Jeffery left Sunday's 38-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings after experiencing hamstring tightness in the second quarter. He returned for one play in the second half and in all played 30 of the Bears' 64 offensive snaps.
A left hamstring strain sidelined Jeffery for four games earlier this season. He did not say whether Sunday's problem was in the same leg. His status for Sunday's road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be determined later this week.
"He got treatment today," Fox said. "I'm sure will get treatment tomorrow, and we'll evaluate him and see what his availability is Wednesday."
Jeffery's only catch against the Vikings was a 10-yard touchdown on which he adjusted to a back-shoulder throw. He was targeted five times.
"With him not on the field, they can spread that coverage out," tight end Zach Miller said. "When he's in there, they've got to focus on him either with underneath coverage and over-the-top coverage or doubling him the entire time."
