Bears show support for tornado victims
Bears players and coaches wore “Washington Panthers” tee shirts Wednesday in support of the Peoria-area high school football team whose hometown was devastated by a tornado Sunday.
Washington plays a Class 5A semifinal playoff game Saturday at (Springfield) Sacred Heart-Griffin.
“We just wanted to do something as an organization,” coach Marc Trestman said. “We just want to do something to let them know that we support them and we wish them well.”
Kicker Robbie Gould, cornerbacks Zack Bowman and Sherrick McManis and linebacker Blake Costanzo led a contingent Tuesday that helped deliver and distribute water and food to tornado victims in Coal City.
The Bears and Bears Care are partnering with the American Red Cross to assist people throughout the state who suffered devastating losses during the storms. Bears Care is conducting an online auction of game-worn equipment from Sunday's overtime wins against the Ravens and is accepting donations online. All auction proceeds and donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 by the Bears and will be awarded to the American Red Cross for direct support of their programs serving individuals and families in Illinois impacted by the tornados.
Donations and bids can be made at Chicagobears.com/tornadorelief.
Injury report:
Jay Cutler (ankle) and linebacker Lance Briggs (shoulder) didn't practice and are out Sunday, but Cutler is no longer in a cast and was wearing a small brace instead of a protective walking boot.
Cornerback Isaiah Frey (hand), defensive tackle Stephen Paea (toe) and safety Craig Steltz (concussion) also did not practice, and Frey's fractured hand was casted, but coach Marc Trestman is “optimistic,” he'll be able to play, with the cast, on Sunday. Paea was in a walking boot and appears doubtful.
Offensive tackle Jordan Mills (quadriceps) and defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (groin) were limited. Mills is expected to play, but Ratliff is probably another week or so away. Defensive end Shea McClellin (hamstring) and long-snapper Patrick Mannelly (calf) went through full practices and should play, although McClellin is still iffy.
Two Rams starters, guard Harvey Dahl (knee) and cornerback Cortland Finnegan (eye) did not practice.