Marshall explains reason for lack of production
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall says the sprained ankle that he suffered in the season opener was supposed to keep him out for four weeks.
Marshall has not missed a game this season, although he was unable to practice at full speed until last week.
"I would assume that you guys know what type of player I am, and the type of toughness I bring," Marshall told the media Thursday. "I wasn't supposed to play. I was supposed to be out for four weeks."
But, in the first game after the injury, Marshall caught 3 touchdown passes among his 5 receptions for 48 yards in the Bears' 28-20 victory over the 49ers. The next week against the Jets he had just 1 catch for 6 yards and a week later he caught 2 passes for 19 yards, including 1 TD against the Packers. In last Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Panthers, Marshall caught 3 passes for 44 yards.
"Last week was the first week where we really had a chance to get me involved," Marshall said. "The first two weeks, the doctors ruled me out. They said I wasn't going to play, and I went to them and said, 'Make it a game-time decision.' I thought with some adrenaline I'd be able to go.
"I was able to help the team out, pull some coverage (my way) and get Martellus (Bennett) and Alshon (Jeffery) some 1-on-1 matchups and get Matt Forte some seven-man boxes." Marshall is no longer listed on the injury report.
Great expectations:
With 19 catches and 188 yards, five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall is on pace to finish with just over half the production he's averaged in the previous seven seasons.
But quarterback Jay Cutler says there's no chance of that happening, especially now that Marshall has recovered from a nagging sprained ankle.
"He's got to stay patient and positive and keep trusting what we're doing on offense," Cutler said. "The balls will come; they always do. He's never had a year where they didn't come. This won't be the year, I can guarantee that."
In four years with Cutler as his quarterback - two in Denver and two with the Bears - Marshall has never caught fewer than 100 passes or had fewer than 1,265 receiving yards.
"He wants the ball just like everyone else in the locker room - (Matt) Forte and Alshon (Jeffery) and Martellus (Bennett) - they all want the ball," Cutler said. "We understand that. Coach Trestman does a great job of trying to get guys balls, and 'B' knows as well as I know that we're dialing up plays for him. It's just not rolling his way. It'll turn. It won't last forever."
Getting healthier:
Center Roberto Garza (ankle) and defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (concussion) were full participants in Thursday's practice, while linebacker D.J. Williams (neck), safety Chris Conte (concussion) and cornerback Sherrick McManis (quad) were limited.
Three linebackers - Lance Briggs (ribs), Jon Bostic (back) and Shea McClellin (broken right hand) - did not practice. None have been ruled out for Sunday, although coach Marc Trestman said McClellin was doubtful. Offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod (knee/ankle), safety Ahmad Dixon (hamstring) and center-guard Taylor Boggs (hamstring), also did not practice.