Inside linebacker Roquan Smith, who is on pace for an all-pro season and has performed like the Bears’ best player, did not participate in practice Friday. Coach Matt Nagy said the absence was not injury-related, and that the team expects him to play Sunday against the Lions.
Guard Alex Bars also was not at practice, but doesn’t have an injury designation.
Pressed about whether the absences were related to the coronavirus, or to contact tracing, Nagy wouldn’t say.
The Bears, by rule, must put anyone who’s testing positive or been a close contact on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list.
Receiver Darnelll Mooney did not participate because of a knee injury, but Nagy said the Bears were being precautionary. He is questionable for Sunday, as is receiver Allen Robinson, who appeared on the injury report with a knee injury.
The Bears did get good news on the injury report. Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks participated for the second-straight day, an indicating his hamstring will be healthy enough to play Sunday against the Lions. He’s questionable.
Khalil Mack returned to practice for the first time this week, too. The Bears say he has a back injury, but Nagy said on Thursday that the inaction was a precautionary measure. The Bears believe Mack will play Sunday, but ruled him questionable.
Quarterback Nick Foles, who practiced in full for the first time Thursday since hurting his right hip against the Vikings, did the same Friday. He’ll be Mitch Trubisky’s backup Sunday, but is officially questionable. Left tackle Charles Leno (toe) and right tackle Germain Ifedi (calf) are questionable
