It seems likely the Bears will face the Packers with the same depleted defensive backfield they used last week. Rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson still hasn’t practiced since hurting his right shoulder against the Texans, while slot corner Buster Skrine is still in concussion protocol after missing three starts.
“I would say they’re day-to-day, and as long as they’re not out there practicing, that’s just how our mindset is with who is out there. … ” Bears coach Matt Nagy said Thursday. “If we’re able to get those other guys back and get out there and play, it’s gonna do nothing but help us. But you have to approach it like they’re not, and then it’s not a surprise if they don’t play.”
Receiver Allen Robinson didn’t practice Thursday because of a hamstring injury. He missed the team’s Thursday practice last week with the same malady for what Nagy called precautionary reasons.
Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks practiced after missing Wednesday’s walk-through with an illness. Backup safety Deon Bush remains out with a foot injury.
Only two Packers players missed practice: tight end Marcedes Lewis (knee) and defensive end Kingsley Keke (concussion).
The Bears returned right tackle Bobby Massie to practice this week as the first step toward taking him off injured reserve. But don’t expect Massie, who has missed the last eight games with a knee injury, to play Sunday.
“I don’t know if I would go as far as to say that he’s going to get in there this weekend,” Nagy said. “But he’s just trying right now to see what it’s like to get out there. He hasn’t done it for a while. But it was definitely good to see him out there.”
It’s conceivable Massie could appear in the playoffs, though it’s fair to wonder if the Bears would want to change their offensive line personnel while the unit is playing so well.
