LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- With rookie receiver Alshon Jeffery already declared out for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, the Bears practiced Thursday with only one absence: tight end Brody Eldridge, who missed the workout because of an illness.
“We had one player that was sick today,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “Besides that everyone else was able to go.”
The Bears released an injury report Wednesday indicating that quarterback Jay Cutler would have been limited because of a rib injury suffered Monday night on a sack by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, despite the team not practicing. Cutler threw passes during the portion of practice opened to the media, and appeared to be showing no ill effects from the injury.
The Bears listed Cutler as having participated fully in Thursday’s workout.
Cornerback Sherrick McManis, who is tied for the team lead in special-teams tackles (5), missed Monday night’s game as he recovers from a hip injury, but worked Thursday without any restrictions.
The Bears officially ruled out rookie Jeffery on Wednesday for the Panthers game because of his fractured right hand, and Smith continues to say the receiver “is getting better.”
“He’s not ready to play yet, but he’s getting better,” Smith said.
For the Panthers, defensive ends Antwan Applewhite (thigh) and Thomas Keiser (elbow) didn’t practice Thursday, while defensive end Charles Johnson (hip) participated in a limited capacity. Defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (hand), tight end Ben Hartsock (calf) and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (leg) participated fully in Thursday’s workout.