Safety Jaquan Brisker is trending toward playing in Sunday’s season opener against the Packers.
“I should be ready to go,” Brisker said Monday afternoon.
He has the proper motivation.
“I’m itching (to play),” he said. “It’s Packers week. I know it’s going to be loud in the stadium, fans everywhere. You know, it’s going to be loud. People hate Green Bay. I hate Green Bay. So I can’t wait.”
The second-year player, who led the Bears in sacks last year, missed his first practice Aug. 5. with an undisclosed injury. He stretched with the Bears during light practices last week. He did the same Monday in an hourlong practice at Halas Hall.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said the outlook for Brisker to play Sunday is good but stressed that Wednesday’s padded practice will be the next big step for him.
“He is right there,” he said. “He’s progressing. Wednesday’s going to be a big day for him, but it’s on the positive side. ...
“He had really good workouts this weekend, as did (fellow safety) Eddie (Jackson). We’re looking at both those guys in a positive way, and Wednesday will tell us more.”
Jackson had his legs rolled up on in the first of two joint practices against the Colts. He practiced Monday.
Brisker said he’s not worried about having the proper intensity Sunday — “I love being physical,” he said — but that he wants to make sure he’s in proper shape for the game.
Eberflus’ policy during the preseason is to refuse to detail injuries unless they meet his definition of “long-term.” Starting Wednesday, the Bears will be required to file injury reports to the NFL three times per week, every week during the season.
