LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- The Bears on Wednesday designated veteran offensive lineman Cody Whitehair for a return from injured reserve, opening up a 21-day window in which he can practice and be activated to the roster.
Whitehair suffered a knee injury during the Bears’ loss to the Giants on Oct. 2 and has missed the team’s four games since. Coach Matt Eberflus indicated the team is still deciding whether Whitehair can return against the Dolphins on Sunday.
“We’ll see where he is,” Eberflus said of Whitehair’s status. “He’s in a good spot mentally. He’s working his tail off with the guys in rehab. His strength numbers are good. His jump numbers are good. His velocity, speed in his jumps are good. So, we think he’s going to be good.”
A second-round pick of the Bears in 2016, the 30-year-old Whitehair had started 99 of a possible 101 games before suffering the knee injury. It’s unclear whether he'll return to his starting role at left guard, which has been filled by veteran Michael Schofield for the last two games, or whether he could shift to center. Whitehair has also started at center a great deal during the course of his seven-year NFL career.
In other news, the Bears aren't prepared to activate receiver Byron Pringle (calf) from injured reserve yet, Eberflus said. The team designated him for a return last Wednesday.
The Bears have also named defensive lineman Justin Jones a captain for the remainder of the season. He replaces linebacker Roquan Smith, who was traded to the Ravens on Monday.
The Bears (3-5) host the Dolphins (5-3) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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