Dec. 12--Pernell McPhee gave the Bears everything he had Sunday, fighting through a left knee injury that's not going away anytime soon.
Still, McPhee was on the field for only 34 of 61 defensive snaps, and that limited role is something the Bears have accepted as reality for the remainder of this season.
"What we've gotten out of him the last few weeks is about all we could expect right now," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said.
The Bears aren't sure what to expect Sunday against the Redskins. McPhee is listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this week. There's a chance he could gut it out and play, and coach John Fox continues to laud McPhee's "great pain tolerance."
But, Fox said, "we're in a performance business. So we have to make those judgments and put the best 46 (players) out there."
The Bears' decision Sunday will factor in the depth behind McPhee at outside linebacker. Willie Young and Lamarr Houston have shown consistent productivity recently, combining for 71/2 sacks in the last five games.
Since the start of 2015, Young has battled through the rehabilitation of a surgically repaired Achilles tendon and persevered through a position change from defensive end. But the real secret to his recent success?
"Being on the field," Young said. "That's the catch right now -- just being on the field. It's not a matter of whether myself or Lamarr can make plays or get to the quarterback. ... It's more about us having the opportunities to even be on the field and show (what we can do)."
dwiederer@tribpub.com
