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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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive guard Ali Marpet #74 warm up before the start of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears warms up before the start of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers steps up to center during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates in the end zone after his 13-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jameis Winston during the first quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach John Fox of the Chicago Bears looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hauls in a pass from quarterback Jameis Winston in front of strong safety Quintin Demps #21 of the Chicago Bears for a 17-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Chicago Bears controls the offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears evades middle linebacker Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Chicago Bears passes during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Jacquizz Rodgers #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes for a first down against defensive back Marcus Cooper #31 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Outside linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recovers a fumble by quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates following a 29-7 win over the Chicago Bears at an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Chicago Bears meet up on the field following the an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Michael Burton #46 of the Chicago Bears looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Chicago Bears wipes his eyes as he watches from the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Chicago Bears looks on from sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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.
