While defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano tried to leave a door open for Roquan Smith’s return — “We’re still holding out hope, you know?” he said — it’s likely the Bears play Sunday without the inside linebacker, who suffered a grisly elbow injury against the Packers, and receiver Darnell Mooney, who hurt his ankle in the same game.
Both missed practice for the second-straight day Thursday.
Returner/running back Cordarrelle Patterson missed his second-straight practice for personal reasons, while cornerback Buster Skrine remains in concussion protocol.
Receiver Allen Robinson didn’t practice with a hamstring injury, but he’ll still expected to play Sunday — the Bears have sat him on Thursdays the last three weeks. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was limited for the second-straight day with a shoulder injury. Inside linebacker Josh Woods (toe/glute), who would be Smith’s replacement, and cornerback Duke Shelley (knee) were both limited.
Saints defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson, who is tied for second in the NFL in sacks, missed practice with a neck injury.
