For Hoyer game plan is simple: Get ball to Jeffery

Regardless of who plays quarterback for the Bears, getting the ball to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is a priority.

Jay Cutler already has a rapport with the 2013 Pro Bowler, who has 9 receptions for 201 yards in two games. But Cutler's not expected to play Sunday night against the Cowboys, so backup Brian Hoyer is focused on syncing up with Jeffery, which the backup QB says isn't difficult.

"It's not there yet because really these are the first reps that I've taken with Alshon, whether it's one-on-ones, or anything," Hoyer said after Wednesday's practice. "He's been solely with Jay, (but) the thing that I've noticed from watching those two work is, you just put it in the guy's vicinity. His (catch radius) is so big, and he's a big-body guy who uses his strength, so I've been able to watch that, and now I get a chance to go out and do it."

Jeffery (knee) did not practice Thursday, which was concerning given that he participated on a limited basis Wednesday.

"It's just something we're monitoring," coach John Fox said. "Obviously, it didn't go as well from (Wednesday) to (Thursday). We'll see what happens (Friday)."

Throwback player:

Rookie cornerback Deiondre Hall had what defensive coordinator Vic Fangio called an "up and down" game Monday night.

The fourth-round pick from Northern Iowa made a touchdown-saving play by swatting away a pass in the end zone. But then later on in the game he missed a tackle and then had a "silly penalty, unnecessary penalty late," Fangio said.

Hall was penalized for a head-slap, a move favored by defensive linemen decades ago, before it was outlawed.

Fangio was asked when the last time he saw a head-slap penalty.

"I don't know," he said. "From Deacon Jones?"

Jones, a Hall of Fame defensive end who coined the term "sack," played from 1961-74, mostly with the Rams, before the sack was an official statistic.

Medical report: In addition to Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery, five other players did not practice Thursday: Running back Ka'Deem Carey (hamstring), nose tackle Eddie Goldman (high ankle sprain), linebacker Danny Trevathan (thumb, surgery), safeties Adrian Amos (concussion) and cornerback Bryce Callahan (concussion). Seven players were limited: Offensive tackle Bobby Massie (toe), guard Josh Sitton (shoulder) and cornerbacks Tracy Porter (knee) and Kyle Fuller (knee), safety Chris Prosinski (calf), defensive linemen Will Sutton (knee) and outside linebacker Willie Young (knee).

Cornerback Sherrick McManis (wrist) was a full participant.

Coming and going:

Outside linebacker Lamarr Houston, who was injured Monday night, was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL in his left knee. The same injury ended his 2014 season after eight games.

Fullback Paul Lasike, who was released Tuesday, was signed to the practice squad.

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