The Facts: One day after dismissing Jeffery's departure practice as simple muscle tightness, HC John Fox said his star receiver has a mild hamstring injury. Jeffery did not practice Thursday after being removed from Wednesday's practice.
Diehards Line:
“We get concerned about everybody, whether they’re injured or not practicing,” Fox said of Jeffery. “On the other hand, we don’t get too concerned. We’ve got guys to take their place. We got (roster) numbers. We’re at 89 now. So it’s part of camp.” Still, as Sun-Times staffer Patrick Finley notes, it’s a particularly alarming diagnosis, given his struggles last season with soft tissue injuries — particularly in his hamstring. He injured his hamstring in Week 1 last year and was lost for four games, and was treated for a similar malady after suffering an injury against the Vikings in their 14th game. He had a calf injury that cost him all four preseason games last year, and missed the Broncos game last season because of a groin injury. He missed eight starts last season, one reason the Bears were content to give him a one-year franchise tender rather than agree to a long-term deal. In addition, Fox has been less-than-forthcoming when it comes to injury info in the past. Remember last year? Fox claimed Kevin White was "day-to-day" right up until he had season-ending surgery last summer. ... We'll be watching for more.