Backfield Starters Return en Masse

The entire Bears starting backfield is returning.

Their linebacker group doesn't look quite as stable.

Quarterback Justin Fields, running back Khalil Herbert and fullback Khari Blasingame all went through full practices on Friday and it appears Herbert's return is merely a matter of bringing him off injured reserve within the next day. Fields and Blasingame already had been confirmed by coach Matt Eberflus as playing against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Herbert had an ankle/shin injury. The only issue in the Bears backfield is whether backup D'Onta Foreman will be available as he is questionable for the game with an ankle injury. He was able to practice all week long but only on a limited basis.

Now it's a question of how many plays for each of the backs.

"We’ll certainly have a plan for that in terms of reps, but tactically you look and see, 'OK, who’s hot, who’s running it the right way and then getting guys involved,' " coach Matt Eberflus said. "It’s our job to get both guys involved because they’ve both played well.

"Certainly, Khalil played really well when he was in there and D’Onta coming in there has done very nice for us. Different style of runners, which I think is cool, to be able to throw that at a defense. It’s always hard to defend against different types and they both run the same type of runs, which is also pretty neat. It’s a fortunate thing to have."

Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (knee) and Jack Sanborn (ankle, illness) are both questionable for the game and backup Noah Sewell has a knee injury and has been ruled out for the game.

"Thought (Edmunds) looked good," Eberflus said. "Hes been moving around. Worked with the trainers earlier in the week. Got him on the grass today. We’ll see where it goes. We certainly like where he is right now.

"And also 57, the Sandman, he’s got an illness, he’s sick. He wasn’t here today but he’s trending in the right direction. Looks like he’ll be fine. So we’ll see where that goes. We’ll know more about that today and tomorrow."

The Bears could be using Dylan Cole or practice squad linebackers Micah Baskerville and DeMarquis Gates at linebacker spots if Edmunds or Sanborn can't play.

Edmunds was able to practice Friday for the first time since suffering his knee injury against the L.A. Chargers Oct. 29. Sanborn has practiced all week on a limited basis.

Also already confirmed back is starting right guard Nate Davis after a full week of practice following an ankle injury. Teven Jenkins is moving back to left guard, while Lucas Patrick is starting at center ahead of Cody Whitehair.

Cornerback Terell Smith is returning for the first time since Oct. 5 after what the team reported was a bout with mono.

For the Lions, guard Jonah Jackson, a backup himself, has been ruled out due to wrist and ankle injuries. DT Isaiah Buggs (illness) is also out. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (hand) is questionable.

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