Dec. 18--Pernell McPhee's engine runs hot on game days, and that makes it especially difficult for him whenever he's forced to watch, such as last Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Redskins.
With his ailing left knee sidelining him, the Redskins opened the game with consecutive touchdown drives of 80 and 93 yards.
"If I would have been out there, that (stuff) wouldn't have happened," he said Thursday.
McPhee believes the defense's "dawg" attitude was missing early in the defeat.
"They came to the sideline and ... I talked to the guys, and we got right after that," he said. "We're all right, though. We won't start off like that again."
The Redskins game was the second McPhee has missed because of the knee. He said he has a high pain tolerance, but he also realizes how trying to play through it hinders his ability to help the team.
"A little slower," he said. "I'm not reacting like I was earlier."
McPhee is on course to play Sunday against the Vikings, though, saying he feels a "little bit more confident with my body."
That body turned 27 Thursday. His birthday present?
"Football practice," he said. "That's the only thing."
What if: Coordinator Adam Gase installed his offense during the spring, only to have names of top players crossed off the depth chart because of injuries throughout the season.
The Bears put tight end Martellus Bennett and receiver Marquess Wilson on injured reserve this month and left first-round rookie receiver Kevin White on the physically-unable-to-perform list Tuesday.
Receiver Alshon Jeffery missed Thursday's practice with an illness, and he has missed five games this season. Slot receiver Eddie Royal returned last Sunday from a five-game absence.
"I would have loved to have seen what Kevin could have done to help that group out," Gase said. "Guys have done a great job of stepping up and filling in in the proper spots.
"When Alshon's out there he makes us a different team. Having Eddie back last week, you see those guys, they have some special talents. And when we get them all out there healthy we'll see what we can become."
Coach John Fox said Jeffery's absence Thursday resulted more from the illness than the calf that limited him Wednesday.
Good guy: Left guard Matt Slauson was named the 2015 Media Good Guy by Chicago's chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America. The award recognizes the member of the Bears organization that most helps the media do its job.
Slauson's professionalism, courtesy and respect in dealing with reporters have stood out since he joined the team in 2013. The seventh-year veteran won the New York chapter's good guy award with the Jets in 2011.
Injury report: Slot cornerbacks Bryce Callahan (quad) and Sherrick McManis (concussion) did not practice.
Tight end Zach Miller (rib), cornerback Tracy Porter (ankle) and defensive lineman Will Sutton (knee) were limited.
