Nov. 26--The Chicago Bears left open the possibility of waiting until Thursday to determine the playing status of linebacker Lance Briggs and cornerback Kyle Fuller for that day's game against the Detroit Lions.
Coach Marc Trestman on Tuesday said the Bears could take those decisions up until 10 a.m. Central time, which is the deadline to declare seven inactive players before the 11:30 a.m. kickoff.
The Bears had a walk-through Tuesday instead of a full practice, which is customary for teams preparing for a Thursday game on short rest. Neither Briggs nor Fuller would have participated if it were a full practice, the team said.
Briggs injured his groin in the first half of last Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He gingerly walked to the locker room and did not play the second half. Given his obvious discomfort, the groin's importance to an athlete's core and Briggs' recent injury history, his availability for Thursday is in doubt.
Fuller, on the other hand, was upbeat in the locker room Tuesday. Although he, too, missed the second half Sunday, he set a precedent in October for a quick return when he played a week after suffering a broken right hand and hip pointer.
The Bears issued an identical injury report to Monday's. The following players would not have participated in practice Tuesday:
Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (knee), guard Brian de la Puente (ankle), linebacker Darryl Sharpton (hamstring), receiver Chris Williams (hamstring) and defensive end Trevor Scott (knee).
Receiver Brandon Marshall (right ankle) and safety Brock Vereen (shoulder) would have been limited.
Right tackle Jordan Mills (ribs) would have fully participated. He could return Thursday from a two-game absence. If he does, Michael Ola would move back to left guard, offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer said.
Offensive lineman Eben Britton (recovering from appendix surgery) also would have fully participated.
