BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Linebacker Brian Urlacher was excused from practice again on Tuesday for personal reasons while receiverreturner Devin Hester was out with sickness, according to coach Lovie Smith. Neither is expected to play on Thursday against the Denver Broncos.
Receiver Eric Weems (ankle) was dressed for practice but did not take an active part in basically a half-speed session without pads for the first time in a week.
The absence of veterans (several others are expected to see little or no playing time on Thursday) is an opportunity for roster hopefuls under game conditions. Daily practices the past several days have concluded with live hitting between reserve offenses and defenses, but this will be different. Far different.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Just getting guys into the game, in a game situation, said coach Lovie Smith. Even for the veterans, were starting over a new year. Everybody for the most part will play a little bit.
We havent decided exactly how many reps everyone will get. We just want to keep the evaluations going. We have some tough decisions to make on the 53-man roster, on who starts, all of those things. Thats what were looking for.
Many happy returns?
Hesters absence plus concern over Weems ankle will allow the Bears to get closer looks at returners among a number of roster candidates who need strong special-teams showings to secure jobs.
News
Among those in particular to watch are seventh-round draft choice and cornerback Greg McCoy and undrafted free agent receiver Brittan Golden. The latters best shot, given the depth at receiver on the Bears, may lie with another NFL team eventually but he has made a strong early impression.
Hes fast. Well get a look at him as a returner, may get punt returns, but definitely kick returns, said special-teams coordinator Dave Toub. Hes still working on his catching skills. But hes pretty exciting after the catch. He can run.