Aug. 27--None of the Bears' top three active wide receivers practiced Thursday, forcing the team to dive on its depth chart to fill out the first-team offense for Saturday's road exhibition game against the Bengals.
On Thursday, coach John Fox would not rule Alshon Jeffery (left calf), Eddie Royal (hip) or Marquess Wilson (right hamstring) out of Saturday's tune-up for the season opener. But Jeffery and Wilson didn't attend any of the four practices this week, and Royal missed the last two, so it would be a big surprise if they played.
Fox indicated the receivers' status won't affect how he allots playing time to quarterback Jay Cutler or running back Matt Forte.
"We're going to approach it the same way we always would in Game 3 of the preseason," Fox said. "This will be the most extended the starters play, as we try to get ready for our season opener. My experience is nobody comes and rescues you. You play with the guys you've got. They don't cancel games."
With top draft pick Kevin White likely lost for the season after stress fracture surgery, receivers Josh Bellamy, Rashad Lawrence, Cameron Meredith and Marc Mariani are in line to play with Cutler and the rest of the starting offense Saturday.
On the defensive side, safety Ryan Mundy's hip injury kept him from attending practice all week. He is unlikely to play, a significant misfortune for the veteran as he fights for a role.
rcampbell@tribpub.com
