The Chicago Bears are potentially preparing to be without several playmakers in their game against the Green Bay Packers. With Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal, Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte all battling injuries heading into Week 12, the Bears have their concerns. However, the return of a familiar face at practice gave some hope to Chicago as there was a Kevin White spotting.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, White has officially practice with the Bears as the team opened their 21-day window for the rusher. White has been on the physically unable to perform list following surgery to fix a shin issue. The former first-round draft pick has not played a down for the Bears this season, but is not ruling out a return before the season is over. However, general manager Ryan Pace is trying to downplay expectations for the rookie as he just stepped onto the field for the first time.
"Guys, honestly, is there a chance that he misses the season? That's a possibility," Pace said, via ESPN.com. "I want to make sure we do this the right way, not rush him back. Sometimes I feel like you have to protect them from themselves."
The Bears would certainly love to have White on the field. The original idea for the season was to have White and Alshon Jeffery run tandem together following the trade of Brandon Marshall. Instead, White never made it past rookie minicamp. Jeffery has been on and off the field with injuries while depth like Eddie Royal is also out with a knee injury. In their place, players like Marquess Wilson and Zach Miller has been the ones to step up and try and make up the difference. They will all be needed once again in Week 12.
According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com, Forte, Jeffery and Bennett were all limited in practice on Wednesday. Forte is expected to play on Thanksgiving while statuses for Jeffery and Bennett are unknown. Jeffery is dealing with a groin injury while Bennett has rib issues. Jay Cutler desperately needs both players to be on the field if the Bears have a shot at beating the Packers.
The biggest gain for the Bears is Forte who has been out for the past three games. Jeremy Langford has been thriving in his place, so the Bears must determine who gets the start for Week 12. Head coach John Fox did not foresee it being an issue trying to split time between the running backs as they both could have big games against Green Bay.
"In this league, it's about the more the merrier," Fox said, via ESPN.com. "You try to build competition within your own team. I think it makes everybody on your squad better. We'll welcome Matt back with open arms."
