|
Bears' Jeffery back at practice, doubtful for Texans game
Nov 09, 2012 (Chicago Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) --
Alshon Jeffery is not expected to play against the Texans on Sunday night, but the fact the rookie receiver returned to practice Friday was a good sign.
"We're excited about the progress he's made," Bears coach Lovie Smith said.
Jeffery had been sidelined since fracturing his right hand in a 41-3 win over the Jaguars in Week 5. He's listed as doubtful for Sunday but could return for the Nov. 19 Monday night game against the 49ers.
Although Jeffery's workload Friday was limited, his teammates were glad to have him back.
"It's very encouraging to see him out here going around and catching balls," fellow receiver Earl Bennett said. "I just hope we can get him back pretty soon."
Jeffery's 14 receptions rank fourth on the Bears, and his 184 yards and two touchdown catches rank second despite the missed time.
Defensive tackle Matt Toeaina (calf) also is listed as doubtful, while defensive end Israel Idonije (ankle) and defensive tackle Henry Melton (back) are probable.
Battling the elements: Sunday night's forecast calls for thunderstorms and strong winds. Such conditions are fine with Smith, considering the Texans are used to playing in a dome.
"It's November, and I'm sure Houston is expecting to play in bad weather," Smith said. "I've been watching the forecast a little bit closer than I normally do, and I hear there's a lot of rain and wind supposed to come in."
In the running: Although the pass rush continues to be the Bears defensive line's emphasis, Texans running back Arian Foster is sure to test the run-stopping ability of interior linemen Stephen Paea and Melton.
"We still have a lot more work to do," Paea said. "We still have to pay attention to detail. Coach (Rod Marinelli) cares about the run, too, because we're a one-gap defense. As long as you get in your gap, you stay there, you do your job.
"Brian (Urlacher) and Lance (Briggs) are doing all the dirty work, doing all the tackling. If it happens to bounce to us, we have to make the tackle.
Extra points: Texans nose tackle Shaun Cody (ribs/lung) and running back Ben Tate (hamstring) are out for Sunday's game, while tight end Owen Daniels (hip/back) is questionable. ... Two Titans were fined for horse-collar tackles against the Bears last week. Safety Michael Griffin was fined $20,000 for pulling down Matt Forte, while quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was fined $15,750 for dragging down Kelvin Hayden after Hayden's fumble recovery.
___
(c)2012 Chicago Tribune
Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
[ Back To Technology News's Homepage ]
|
Internet Telephony Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
CUSTOMER 
Cloud Computing Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
M2M Evolution Magazine
Call Center/CRM
Info Tech 
IP Communications 
Mobile 
Green 
Satellite 
Robotics 
