Chicago Bears

Long, Wheaton Could Make Season Debuts in Week 3

The Chicago Bears have been dealing with an avalanche of injuries in the first two weeks of the season, but it appears they’re finally getting some good news on that front.

According to the team, offensive lineman Kyle Long and wide receiver Markus Wheaton could return to the field for their Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field.

Long has been dealing with an ankle injury, and has yet to appear in a game since injuring his ankle last season. He was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, but he says he’ll be able to listen to his body to figure out when he’ll be back on the field.

“I’ll just know,” Long said when asked how he’d know if he was ready to play. “You can’t put any guarantees on it yet, but as I said in previous weeks I’ve felt a lot better. We’re 0-2. I need to get back out there.”

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Wheaton has been out as he rehabs a broken pinky finger that he suffered in training camp. He broke the finger in his first practice back after undergoing an appendectomy during camp. He was a full participant in practice, and the Bears’ coaching staff is excited to get him back on the field.

“We’re excited to watch him,” head coach John Fox said. “I think he’s got a pretty good grasp of what we’re doing which is obviously helpful.”

Tom Compton (hip), Nick Kwiatkoski (pectoral), quarterback Mark Sanchez (neck), and Josh Sitton (rib) were all missing from Wednesday’s workout at Halas Hall. Cornerback Prince Amukamara, lineman Akiem Hicks, and running back Jordan Howard were among the limited participants in the workout. 

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