Oct. 17--Martellus Bennett did not practice Friday because of a quadriceps injury the Bears tight end suffered Thursday, according to coach John Fox. The team listed him as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions in Detroit.
Bennett was his usual upbeat self in the locker room after Thursday's practice and gave no indication he was hurt. But he was not present in the locker room for Friday's media session, leaving considerable uncertainty about the situation.
If Bennett can't play against the Lions (0-5), it would be another setback for a passing attack that hopes to get receivers Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) and Eddie Royal (ankle) back Sunday. They also were listed as questionable.
Bennett, a Pro Bowler last season, has continued his premier role as a receiver while Jeffery has missed the last four games. He leads the Bears with 28 catches and two receiving touchdowns, and his 233 receiving yards rank second.
On Thursday, offensive coordinator Adam Gase lauded how Bennett helps him adjust their approach between series, citing the fourth quarter of last Sunday's victory over the Chiefs.
"He does such a great job of coming back to the sideline, communicating with me about what possibly could pop free," Gase said. "So when you have a player of his ability, plus (his) knowledge of the game, it's rare to find -- and it makes my job a lot easier as far as being able to help him be put in a situation to get him open."
Jeffery's return against the Lions would help mitigate Bennett's absence. Fox was asked Friday if this was Jeffery's best week of practice since injuring his hamstring Sept. 17.
"Probably," Fox said. "We're just trying to progress him along. You'd think time heals it, probably, but you'd have to ask him that."
rcampbell@tribpub.com
