LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- As the Bears began preparation Wednesday for a pivotal division game against the Vikings on Sunday, they did so with several key players sidelined.
Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (knee), receiver Taylor Gabriel (concussion), defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (hand), kicker Eddy Pineiro (knee) and running back Mike Davis (personal) didn't practice Wednesday, the Bears revealed on their first injury report.
Additionally, safety Eddie Jackson (shoulder), defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris (glute) and receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (tricep) were each limited in their work. On a positive note, guard Kyle Long (hip), tight end Trey Burton (groin) and tackle Bobby Massie (illness) all practiced in full.
Massie's return to the practice field came after he was inactive in a win at Washington on Monday night due to a pregame bout with vertigo. For Burton, it was his first full practice since suffering a groin strain in late August.
The Vikings listed linebacker Anthony Barr (groin) and cornerback Mackensie Alexander (elbow) as limited in their practice Wednesday.
The Bears (2-1) and Vikings (2-1) will release their final injury reports Friday afternoon. Kickoff between the two division rivals comes at 3:25 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.
