Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Has Alshon Jeffrey recovered from his injury and returned to practice? I'm concerned that he may miss the regular season opener against the Packers. What's the latest on him?
Matthew K.
Burr Ridge, Illinois
Receiver Alshon Jeffery remains sidelined with a calf injury that has forced him to miss the Bears' first two preseason games. Coach John Fox said Monday that Jeffery is considered "day-to-day." Asked about the possibility of Jeffery playing in Saturday night's third preseason contest against the Bengals in Cincinnati, Fox said: "When they clear him medically and we feel that's the smartest thing to do, he'll be out there. I won't be able to tell you until we get closer to game day."
Can Jeremiah Ratliff appeal his suspension and if so play in the early games? It seems he should have a good appeal because the league took so long to impose a penalty for an infraction dating back to January 2013.
Dick D.
West Chicago, Illinois
Bears defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff will not appeal the three-game suspension he received from the NFL for violating the league's policy and program on abuse of substances stemming from a DWI arrest. Ratliff explained his decision not to appeal, saying: "We've been down this road with the NFL and they don't care to hear it."
What aspect of the Bears' performance against the Indianapolis Colts impressed you the most?
Donald F.
Oswego, Illinois
There were two main things: The Bears performed exceptionally well on special teams, an area that was definitely a weakness last season. Long returns set up three field goals and their kickoff coverage team made three tackles inside-the-20, including two inside-the-15. The other aspect of the game I was excited to see was the pass rush, led by outside linebackers Pernell McPhee and Jared Allen and defensive end Jarvis Jenkins. McPhee recorded a sack and Allen and Jenkins both pressured Andrew Luck into incompletions. After the game, Luck said: "It's a tough defense with some werewolves over there. Pernell McPhee, Jared Allen, those guys are premier, premier pass rushers. They certainly put a lot of pressure on you as an offense, especially in drop-back situations."
