Cody Whitehair Activated for Game Day
In one day the Bears offensive line just got a good deal healthier.
The Bears were beneficiaries of a few surprise Friday injury developments. Right tackle Larry Borom cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and, after missing the first two practices this week, was able to do a full practice. As a result, Borom has been removed all together from the report and can play. Also, guard Cody Whitehair was activated to the 53-man roster after a month away on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Coach Matt Eberflus said it's not a given Borom will be thrown out onto the field right away Sunday with starters since he missed two practices this week and the Dallas game last week after he was injured against New England.
"He was in a good spot today," Eberflus said. "We'll see where it progresses from here."
Borom last week was replaced by Riley Reiff. Whitehair's sub last week was Michael Schofield but before that Lucas Patrick had played there and suffered a toe injury.
Reiff's presence could give the Bears pause to consider whether to return Borom to the field, especially because he had just one practice. It also could matter that Reiff had a good game last week.
"We thought that he did play well," Eberflus said. "He did a nice job. He is an aggressive guy. He played with good technique."
They also know they will have Whitehair back on the field as he has recovered from a right knee injury. A 21-day window to consider Whitehair for a return had already begun. He went on IR with the right knee injury Oct. 5.
"It's great," Eberflus said. "You have a guy that has that much experience. Cody is one of our captains and he's one of our leaders and he certainly helps solidify that group for the offensive line."
Another break of sorts for the Bears came in the secondary as both safety Eddie Jackson and slot cornerback Kyler Gordon went through full practices Friday after limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday, and both are off the injury report.
Considering the Miami Dolphins firepower at receiver, the Bears can use the full health in their secondary.
The only player on the injury report for Chicago is reserve guard Ja'Tyre Carter. The rookie was ill on Friday and did not practice, so he is listed as questionable.
Teven Jenkins, who was in question earlier in the week when he missed part of a practice due to a back issue, had returned for full practices on Thursday and Friday and is no longer on the report.
For Miami, wide receiver River Cracraft (illness) is out. Tackle Austin Jackson (ankle/calf) is doubtful.
There are four Miami players who are questionable: tackle Terron Armstead (toe/Achilles), tight end Tanner Conner (knee), cornerback Eric Rowe (hip) and linebacker Jaelan Phillips (quad).
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