Bears' Jeffery off to a fast start

Alshon Jeffery didn't get the lucrative multi-year deal he wanted last off-season in free agency, as the Bears slapped the franchise tag on him, keeping him in Chicago for the 2016 season with a $14.6 million guarantee.

But the 2013 Pro Bowl pick wants to show the Bears and any other NFL team that might care to court him next off-season that he's worth a long-term investment next time around.

Jeffery's 201 receiving yards, on 9 catches, ranked ninth in the NFL through the first two weeks.

“Typically, whenever you franchise a guy, there's going to be something they want to prove, a little chip on their shoulder, and Alshon is no different,” quarterback Jay Cutler said. “He sees himself at a certain value, and he wants to earn it. He knows it's not going to happen by chance.”

One of the reasons the Bears didn't go all-in on Jeffery was because he missed seven games last year and the entire preseason with four separate soft-tissue injuries.

“Last year was kind of an outlier of a season for him because he's always been a guy that's been out there, worked hard and showed up on Sundays,” Cutler said. “This year I think he's just a little more determined than ever, which is good for us.”

Jeffery was named a captain this year for the first time.

“That maybe cemented some things,” Cutler said of Jeffery's role as a leader. “But he was doing this stuff before he was a captain. I was happy to see it because the other guys see how hard he's worked and how important he is to this offense.”

Jeffery was held out of Thursday's practice with a sore knee but he was back on a limited basis Friday and believes he'll be fine by Sunday night.

Coaches say the normally soft-spoken and reticent Jeffery has been more vocal and fiery with teammates this year. But they also say Jeffery has always been a competitor.

“I'm just being myself,” he said. “I've always been like this. I just talk a lot more I guess this year. I just think it's something that's needed.”

Protecting the rookie:

For the second straight week the Bears face a rookie quarterback. This time it's the Cowboys' Dak Prescott, a fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State.

Last week the Eagles' Carson Wentz was an efficient 21 of 34 for 190 yards against the Bears with 1 TD, no interceptions and an 86.6 passer rating.

Prescott has yet to throw an interception or a touchdown pass and has an 83.1 passer rating. The Cowboys, whose offensive line is arguably the best in the NFL and starts three former first-round picks, lead the league with a 55.2 percent success rate on third downs and are 14th in yards per game.

“Their offense has gotten off to a good start,” Bears coach John Fox said. “(Prescott) has a good supporting cast. They've got a lot of weapons offensively, and it starts with their offensive line.”

Dallas' offense is 11th in avoiding sacks.

Medical report:

Quarterback Jay Cutler (thumb), nose tackle Eddie Goldman (high ankle sprain), linebacker Danny Trevathan (thumb surgery) and running back Ka'Deem Carey (hamstring) did not practice Friday. Trevathan is out, while the other three are doubtful but not expected to play.

Other questionable players: Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (knee), outside linebacker Willie Young (knee), safeties Adrian Amos (concussion) and Chris Prosinski (calf), and cornerbacks Kyle Fuller (knee), Tracy Porter (knee), and Bryce Callahan (concussion). Three questionable players went through a full practice: offensive tackle Bobby Massie (toe), guard Josh Sitton (shoulder) and defensive lineman Will Sutton (knee).

There is no timetable yet for Trevathan's return from Wednesday's surgery, but coach John Fox provided some information.

“They were able to reattach the ligament and now we have to start the rehab process,” said Fox, who had yet to meet with Trevathan early Friday afternoon. “There'll be some pain tolerance, but (playing with) a cast is an option moving forward.”

For the Cowboys, four starters are questionable: cornerback Orlando Scandrick (hamstring), defensive end Jack Crawford (shoulder) and offensive tackles Doug Free (quadricep) and Tyron Smith (back).

Quarterback Tony Romo (back) and defensive end Charles Tapper (back) are out.

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