Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery questionable for Sunday

In the San Diego game, when Cutler threw a pick-6, Jeffery firmly stated that he wanted the ball on a “go” route, which Gase obligingly called, and the Bears had a 47-yard completion.

The coaching staff is trying to put together a limited package for Welker given his little time learning the system, but Fisher couldn’t guarantee Welker will play.

St. Louis had won back-to-back games before last week, when it converted just two of 16 third downs. Also listed as questionable are outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee), running back Matt Forte (knee), inside linebacker Shea McClellin (knee), center Hroniss Grasu (neck), corner Tracy Porter (hip), safety Antrel Rolle (ankle) and tackle Jermon Bushrod (shoulder). Bears running back Matt Forte and receiver Alshon Jeffery are keeping that in consideration with their respective injuries. Fox said Forte is considered day to day and will be consistently evaluated leading up to Sunday. Now that he’s participated in three consecutive practice sessions, however, it looks like there’s a definite chance he’ll be ready to go against the St. Louis Rams. McPhee hasn’t practiced all week because of a knee injury. He had a calf strain in the preseason and later missed four regular-season games with a hamstring injury.

Yet, McPhee has yet to miss a game, in part because of maintenance during the week.

Streak of suspensions: John Fox was asked about the Bears having two players suspended (Tayo Fabuluje, Ego Ferguson) in three days for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances.

Battling back from injuries can be a grueling process, with motivation to return fueled by many variables. When asked about his groin, Jeffery said “I’m fine”. Unlike 2009, he’s not in a position to play with fluid in his knee.

The long-term health and financial risk is an important influence in playing through the pain. Said defensive coordinator Vic Fangio: “They challenged the whole defense with him and Jon was at the center of that in a lot of the cases”. “That’s not good to come back for one game and then be out for fix or six. You obviously don’t want to do something like that”.