LeGere: Realistic Briggs facing final curtain

In his 12th NFL season - all with the Bears and with seven Pro Bowls to his credit - 33-year-old linebacker Lance Briggs realizes the end could come soon.

"I understand this is probably my last year as a Chicago Bear," Briggs said. "And this could be the last time I play the Packers."

Briggs is in the final year of a three-year $17.5 million deal, and he's realistic about his future.

"Somebody's gotta want you first, and then you go from there," he said. "But right now, my focus is the Packers."

In his first 10 seasons, Briggs missed a total of four games. But he was out seven games last year with a fractured shoulder. He missed the previous three games this season with a rib injury, although he's back now at full health.

Still, that increased susceptibility to injury and his contract situation have the second-leading tackler in Bears history facing his professional mortality.

"It's the last year of my deal," he said matter-of-factly. "It's not like I'm going to magically show up after this year and they're going to open the gates up for you.

"I've talked to my buddy (former Bears defensive end) Alex Brown (and he said) 'Those gates are closing - you're a free agent.'

"I know the reality of it, and I'm proud of all the years I've had here. It's been great. I couldn't have asked for a better situation and so … each day, every practice."

First step back:

Second-year wide receiver Marquess Wilson practiced for the first time since suffering a fractured collarbone during a training-camp practice Aug. 4.

That begins the 21-day window the Bears have to add him to the active roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve.

Wilson is not expected to play vs. the Packers on Sunday.

"We're just going to go one day at a time and make sure that he's in the physical kind of condition he needs to be in," said Bears coach Marc Trestman.

"He's got a great career ahead of him, and we want to make sure we're doing the right thing."

Wilson, a seventh-round pick in 2013 from Washington State, had 2 receptions last season but was penciled in as the No. 3 wide receiver when camp opened.

But he might have difficulty re-establishing the rapport he was starting to build with quarterback Jay Cutler.

"I feel like I can," Wilson said, "but I still have to prove myself all over again. I can't come in thinking that it's just mine. I have to work for something I want."

In Wilson's absence, veterans Santonio Holmes and Josh Morgan have been afterthoughts in the offense, combining for 12 receptions and 92 yards.

Back and forth:

Jordan Mills was back in his familiar right tackle spot Wednesday after working at left guard Monday.

Michael Ola, who took reps at right tackle Monday, switched back to left guard on Wednesday.

"We'll continue to move (Mills) around," coach Marc Trestman said. "We're going to give him work at both spots and we're going to reassess practice and we'll see how we move (Thursday)."

Injury report:

Linebackers Lance Briggs (ribs) and Jon Bostic (back), cornerback Kyle Fuller (hip/hand), safety Danny McCray (knee) and tackle-guard Jordan Mills (foot) were all full participants in practice.

Guard-tackle Eben Britton (appendectomy) and linebacker Darryl Sharpton (hamstring) did not practice. Guard Matt Slauson (torn chest muscle) is out for the season but has not been placed on injured reserve yet.