Running back David Montgomery practiced on a limited basis for the second consecutive day after missing a week with an ankle injury and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Vikings.
At a glance, it appears Montgomery is more likely to play than not.
“It felt great,” Montgomery said Friday when asked how the ankle responded after practicing Thursday.
Coach Matt Eberflus, who said Friday practices are key to determining if an injured player can go, also was encouraged. Montgomery literally seems to have passed the eye test.
“He’s looked good,” Eberflus said. “It’s positive. It’s real positive and he’s looked good and is moving around well and has a good spirit about him. He has brightness in his eyes. I think he’s excited about getting going.”
Montgomery has 35 carries for 159 yards (4.5 avg.) and no touchdowns this season. He had 15 carries for 122 yards against the Packers in his last complete game. He sprained his ankle in the first half against the Texans the following week, after three carries for 11 yards.
Elsewhere on the injury report, linebacker Matt Adams (hamstring) and tight end Ryan Griffin (achilles) are cleared to play after missing the past two games. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson (quad) and safety Dane Cruikshank (hamstring) are doubtful.
Line dancing
It might be a bit of gamesmanship, but Eberflus left open the possibility of additional changes on the interior offensive line in the wake of left guard Cody Whitehair’s knee injury that put him on injured reserve.
Lucas Patrick, who had been rotating with Teven Jenkins at right guard, replaced Whitehair against the Giants. That lineup — with Patrick at left guard, Sam Mustipher at center and Jenkins at right guard — is the most likely scenario Sunday.
But Patrick also has been working at center and cold play there Sunday. Whatever the lineup, they all have to play better after Justin Fields was sacked six times against the Giants.
“We’re looking at everything,” Eberflus said. “We had to switch people around to make sure we had backups at right, center and left. So we’re moving guys around and there will be a combination that we decide in the next four weeks.”
Mr. Blackwell
Undrafted rookie cornerback Josh Blackwell didn’t join the Bears until Sept. 1, when he was claimed on waivers after being cut by the Eagles. But he’s quickly earned the trust of special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, with more reps in each game so far.
It paid off when Blackwell forced a fumble on a punt against the Giants and recovered the ball.
“I came in with the idea of playing mostly special teams and I wanted to make the most of it,” the 5-11, 180-pound Blackwell said. “So to make a play like that for my teammates is unreal. My fourth game in the NFL, to make play like that — my confidence goes up for sure. It shows that I’m meant to be there and I can play in this league at a high level.”
