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LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -Nathan Vasher wouldn't rule out playing Sunday, but a noticeable limp and a cautious tone indicated the Chicago Bears may be without the cornerback when they visit the Detroit Lions.
The Bears' other starting cornerback, Charles Tillman, could miss the game, too.
Vasher tweaked his groin in last week's 34-10 loss to Dallas, Tillman suffered a high ankle sprain. Without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris (sprained knee), Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs (hamstring) and strong safety Adam Archuleta (broken hand) the Bears' vaunted defense barely resembles a monster.
"I'm trying to battle back and see if I can get out there this week," Vasher said Thursday.
Will he play against the Lions?
"I still haven't gotten the heads-up about it," Vasher said. "I'm just basically sore right now."
The Bears held Vasher, Tillman, Briggs, Harris and offensive linemen Ruben Brown (ankle) and Fred Miller (knee) out of practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Archuleta and running back Adrian Peterson (calf) participated on a limited basis again, while defensive end Adewale Ogunleye (hip) and defensive tackle Darwin Walker (knee) were upgraded to full participation. So there was some good news for a team that's reeling.
"I expect to have everybody," coach Lovie Smith said. "I'm optimistic. My glass is half full - always."
But reality has been quite harsh.
Besides the lengthy injury list, the Bears (1-2) are dealing with a change at quarterback after Rex Grossman threw three interceptions against the Cowboys. That finally convinced Smith to go with Brian Griese.
While Grossman dropped out of favor, other Bears fell like bad stocks against Dallas.
Briggs appeared to hurt himself in the second quarter trying to avoid Brian Urlacher, who sacked Tony Romo. He stayed in the game, but did not come out for the second half, and the injuries piled on from there.
Vasher, a Pro Bowl pick in 2005, and Harris left the game in the second half. Archuleta stayed in after breaking his wrist in the third quarter. And Tillman was seen kneeling on the same play Vasher hurt himself, although he said this week he's fine.
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