No matter which Bears play, Raiders provide stiff defensive test

Quarterback Jay Cutler and Pro Bowl wide receiver Alshon Jeffery are questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders after both practiced on Friday but were limited for the third straight day.

Both are dealing with hamstring issues, although Cutler appears much further along in his recovery.

As he did the two previous days, Cutler threw the ball well and moved without a limp during the individual portion of practice that is open to media. He appears healthy enough to play, but could be held out for fear of aggravating the injury.

Jeffery also maintained his same regimen of not participating during the route-running/pass-catching period, instead working on the side with a member of the Bears' training staff.

Whether it's Cutler or backup Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, nine-year veteran offensive left tackle Jermon Bushrod won't be there protecting their blind side. Bushrod (concussion/shoulder) did not practice Friday and has been declared out for Sunday.

He will be replaced by Charles Leno, the 2014 seventh-round pick who started one game last season when the Bears opened with an extra offensive lineman against the Minnesota Vikings last November.

The 6-foot-3, 302-pound Leno has never started and played an entire game, but he has been used for several plays in each of the first three games as the sixth offensive lineman in short-yardage situations.

"That helps a lot," he said. "Getting some playing time absolutely helps, especially going out there and going against Seattle (last week)."

Against the Oakland Raiders, Leno will face some talented pass rushers, including Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith. Mack, who was limited at practice this week with a hip injury but is probable, was the fifth overall pick in last year's draft and had 2 sacks last week.

In his first 43 NFL games, the troubled Smith had 42 sacks, including 19½ in 2012, the year after the San Francisco 49ers made him the seventh overall pick in the 2011 draft. But, after a disturbing string of off-the-field, alcohol-related incidents, including three DUI arrests, the 6-foot-4, 265-pound Smith was released in August. He had just 2 sacks in a 2014 season that included a nine-game suspension. The Raiders signed him just before the regular-season opener.

"Mack's really explosive, and Aldon's really long," Leno said. "But I feel like I can do a good job against those guys with my athleticism."

The long-armed Leno is best suited to the left side. His game is more finesse, with the ability to mirror a pass rusher, but he lacks the power and bulk to anchor versus a bull rush at this stage of his development.

"He's probably more adaptable to the left side than the right side," Bears coach John Fox said. "It's a huge opportunity for him, and we're all excited and anxious to see how he performs."

Since he was drafted out of Boise State, where he was a three-year starter, Leno has been able to learn from Bushrod.

"He's helped me out a lot technique-wise," Leno said, "staying focused on the game and honing in on my fundamentals."

The Bears have already moved two-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long to right tackle the week before the regular-season opener. He could eventually find a permanent home at left tackle, but another position switch so soon isn't expected.

"Right know I think we've given him plenty on his plate on the right side," Fox said. "(But) I can't predict what's going to happen down the road."

The Bears are also banged up on the defensive line this week.

Ego Ferguson (knee), Jeremiah Ratliff (ankle) and Will Sutton (elbow) were all limited at practice again on Friday and are all questionable for Sunday. Cornerback Alan Ball (groin) and punter Patrick O'Donnell (knee) are also questionable.

The Bears auditioned free-agent punters this week at Halas Hall but have not signed anyone.

For the Raiders, in addition to Mack (hip), defensive end Justin Tuck (knee) is probable. Starting safety Charles Woodson, an 18-year veteran, is questionable with a shoulder injury.

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