Bears' Montgomery sits out practice Thursday, remains in concussion protocol

Bears running back David Montgomery sat out practice Thursday at Halas Hall in Lake Forest and remains in concussion protocol this week.

Montgomery suffered a concussion with about six minutes remaining in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans. It's possible Montgomery could return in time for Monday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field, but the next few days will be key.

The NFL's concussion protocol simply depends on how an individual player progresses during the week and the severity of the concussion. Bears receiver Allen Robinson suffered a concussion in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams and still returned the next week.

If Montgomery's recovery moves slowly, though, the Bears could be without their top running back Monday. Backup running back Ryan Nall filled in for Montgomery during the final six minutes Sunday. Nall caught four passes, including a touchdown. The Bears also have Cordarrelle Patterson, who has split time between receiver and running back.

Practice squad running back Lamar Miller might also be available should the Bears need additional help. Miller, who tore his ACL in training camp 2019 with the Houston Texans, has not played in an NFL game since 2018.

The Bears had numerous other players sit out practice Thursday: DT John Jenkins (ankle), TE Cole Kmet (groin), DB Sherrick McManis (hand), C Sam Mustipher (knee), OL Jason Spriggs (knee) and QB Mitch Trubisky (shoulder).

TE Jimmy Graham, DT Akiem Hicks and LB Danny Trevathan were given the day off to rest.

S Tashaun Gipson (foot), LB Barkevious Mingo (shoulder), WR Allen Robinson (knee) and LB Roquan Smith (back) were all limited participants in practice Thursday.