It looks increasingly likely the Bears will be without five starters when they host the Cowboys on Thursday. The biggest concern is cornerback Prince Amukamara, who has played nearly 99 percent of the defensive snaps.
Amukamara reported a hamstring injury after the game against the Lions last week and hasn’t done field work since. He missed his third consecutive practice Tuesday.
The Bears are required to file their final injury report Wednesday and declare game statuses.
If Amukamara is out, they’re expected to go with special teamer Kevin Toliver, a second-year player with one career start. He has played three defensive snaps this season.
“Kevin Toliver and some other guys,” coach Matt Nagy said. “That’s one of those deals where if Prince is not able to go ... we feel like we have pretty good depth.”
Unless they’re willing to move slot corner Buster Skrine outside or use a safety at corner, the only other option to replace Amukamara is sixth-round pick Duke Shelley.
Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel and tight end Ben Braunecker remained in the concussion protocol and did not practice. Both players missed the game last week.
Right tackle Bobby Massie is likely to miss his second consecutive game. He has not practiced since suffering a high ankle sprain Nov. 24 against the Giants.
Linebacker Danny Trevathan has been out three games with an elbow injury and doesn’t appear to be close to returning.
“I do like where he’s at,” Nagy said. “I haven’t had anything good or bad come across my desk, so ... I think he’s in a good place. We’ll just kind of keep him going and see where it ends up taking us.”
On the plus side for the Bears, defensive tackle Akiem Hicks continued progressing from a dislocated elbow. Hicks is in the two-week practice phase of short-term Injured Reserve and is eligible to play next week at the Packers.
The Bears don’t have to disclose his practice participation until they activate him, but Nagy indicated it went well Tuesday.
“Did decent,” he said. “I like what I saw the last two days. Again, tempo-wise and all that stuff — none of it’s live, so that part’s hard to see.”
Hicks, an eight-year veteran, was a Pro Bowl pick last season and is one of the most dominant interior linemen in the NFL. He had 7.5 sacks last season and one in four games this year before the injury Oct. 6.
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