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Chalk Talk

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Chalk Talk: Will Montgomery play against Packers?

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.

Do you think running back David Montgomery will be able to play Sunday night against the Packers? 
Lee R.
Fremont, California

Yes, it appears that David Montgomery will be back in action Sunday night in Green Bay after missing one game with a concussion. Montgomery told reporters on a video call Wednesday that he cleared concussion protocol, returned to practice Monday and "I'm ready to go." His return should provide a huge boost for an offense that has struggled to score points and move the ball most of the season. Asked about the concussion, Montgomery said: "I've never had one this severe. It was definitely different, but I'm fine now. We went through the protocol. The training staff has been great with me, being sure that I come back when I'm ready. It was definitely something different for me. It's just good to be back."

I have a vivid memory of a play. I want to say it was Gary Fencik in 1985, but I could be wrong on both counts. On the play, the opponent's receiver had stopped and turned to face his quarterback to catch a pass, and the Bears defensive back ran up from behind, stuck his feet in the ground, went vertical, bent at the waist with his belt over the top of the receiver's helmet, and reached in front of the receiver to snatch the ball away as it arrived. Do you remember the play? I'd love to get refreshed on the details.
Kenny Z.
Las Vegas, Nevada

The play you're referring to was not made by Bears safety Gary Fencik in 1985 but by cornerback Leslie Frazier in a 9-7 win over the Packers Sept. 16, 1984 in Green Bay. Packers receiver John Jefferson ran a slant. In tight coverage behind him, Frazier jumped high in the air, reached down with his arms in front of Jefferson and intercepted the Lynn Dickey pass without touching Jefferson. It was the most impressive interception I've ever seen. It was so remarkable, in fact, that an official threw a flag on the play, seemingly sure there was no way that Frazier could contort his body like he did without committing pass interference. Fortunately, for the Bears, the officials picked up the flag. Legendary announcers Pat Summerall and John Madden were suitably impressed. Click here to watch the play and listen to their description of it. 

I know that Gale Sayers and Cordarrelle Patterson are 1-2 in career kickoff return average in NFL history. How close are they now following Patterson's 104-yard touchdown against the Vikings?
Eric H.
Hong Kong

With a career kickoff return average of 30.6, Bears Hall of Famer Gale Sayers maintains a lead of seven-tenths of a yard over Cordarrelle Patterson (29.9). That doesn't seem like much, but it actually is a wide gap, especially given that Patterson has returned 230 kickoffs, the 28th most in NFL history. To leapfrog Sayers into the No. 1 spot, Patterson would have to average an eye-popping 35 yards over his next 40 returns, which would be a Herculean task.

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

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