LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Bears safety Eddie Jackson took an important step toward playing in his team's wild-card game against the Eagles on Sunday by returning to practice in limited participation Thursday afternoon.
Jackson has missed the Bears' last two games after suffering a right ankle sprain during the Bears' win over the Packers on Dec. 16. Coach Matt Nagy had previously indicated that the training staff held Jackson out of practice Wednesday as a precautionary measure and suggested he was close to rejoining the team, and that's what Jackson did Thursday.
Jackson has six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns in 14 games, cementing his place as a Pro Bowl player along the way. Third-year safety Deon Bush has assumed a starting safety role in Jackson's absence.
Three-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long didn't practice Thursday in what the team called a veteran rest day. He returned from injured reserve in a win at Minnesota on Sunday after missing the previous eight games with a foot injury. Long was listed on the first injury report of the week Wednesday despite practicing in full.
Receivers Allen Robinson (ribs), Taylor Gabriel (ribs) and Anthony Miller (left shoulder) all practiced in full for a second straight day. Miller dislocated his left shoulder again Sunday, something he said has occurred multiple times during the regular season.
Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (right elbow sprain) remains sidelined from practice. Further details to his health and the other Bears listed as injured will be revealed Friday afternoon with the team's game status report.
Kickoff between the Bears (12-4) and Eagles (9-7) in their wild-card matchup comes at 3:40 p.m. CT Sunday from Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
