Chalk Talk: Will injury keep Mack out?

[Staley Da Bear]

Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.


How concerned are the Bears about Khalil Mack's back injury? I see that he hasn't practiced so far this week. The last thing the defense needs is to have Mack on the sideline Sunday against the Lions.
Ross W.
Streamwood, Illinois


Outside linebacker Khalil Mack is listed on the injury report with a back injury, but coach Matt Nagy revealed that Mack's absence from practice Wednesday and Thursday was "more precautionary" and that Mack is expected to play Sunday against the Lions. Said Nagy: "I don't think it's anything that we're real concerned about. You get to this part of the season and you want to make sure that you don't overdo certain things, so that's kind of where we've been at the last few days with him. But I feel confident that he'll be able to go."


Who do you think will be the Bears backup quarterback versus the Lions?
Walt P.
Wheaton, Illinois


It appears that veteran Nick Foles will be able to serve as the Bears' No. 2 quarterback behind starter Mitchell Trubisky Sunday against the Lions. Foles was a full participant in Thursday's practice after being limited Wednesday as he recovers from a hip injury he sustained Nov. 16 against the Vikings. Said coach Matt Nagy: "He's doing pretty good running around in practice right now, so I would suggest and think that he would be [the No. 2 quarterback]. It would take something for him to say to me that he's not."


With the Broncos having to play last Sunday's game without all four of their quarterbacks due to COVID-19 issues, are the Bears making any changes like maybe keeping fourth quarterback Kyle Sloter away from his teammates to avoid facing a similar predicament?
John L.
Evanston, Illinois


No, coach Matt Nagy revealed that the Bears did not make any changes in the aftermath of what happened in Denver, saying: "I feel like, for us, we've had a pretty decent plan with how we're going about spacing out and wearing masks and all that stuff. We feel we're in a pretty good place, but we haven't changed anything."


Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.