Montgomery's status still uncertain for Sunday
For anyone looking for assurances that Bears running back David Montgomery will be full speed and ready to play in Sunday's opener at Detroit, it didn't happen Thursday.
Head coach Matt Nagy declined to answer injury inquiries, while Montgomery told reporters he's taking things slowly as he recovers from a groin injury.
Montgomery was listed as a full practice participant in Thursday's injury report. Defensive end Robert Quinn did not practice for the second straight day.
"Of course, at the end of the day, your best ability is your availability," Montgomery said. "I'd be hurting the team more if I was to come back earlier than I was supposed to and continue to be hurt or hurt myself again.
"I didn't do much in practice (Wednesday), just because I want to be safe. I understand that it's a long season, I've got to be here for the long run. So I didn't do much in practice, but I am a step closer to being healthy."
Montgomery suffered the injury Aug. 26 when he slipped while warming up before practice. Video of the incident seemed concerning, as the second-year pro from Iowa State appeared to grimace in pain before walking off the field gingerly.
"I thought I tore something actually," Montgomery said. "Just how it happened, when it happened and what it looked like after it happened. Luckily, there wasn't a tear, so through the grace of God I'm able to get back to rehab and training so I can get back on the field."
Montgomery said his concerns were eased not long after he left Halas Hall that day.
"(Relief set in) probably a couple hours after it happened," he said. "I went to the MRI, got checked out and things were looking pretty good. Not as good as I wanted them to be, of course, but better than I expected."
Backup Tarik Cohen said Wednesday he thought Montgomery bounced back quickly from the injury and people are more worried than they should be. But it's also possible Montgomery isn't ready and Cohen could see the majority of carries against the Lions.
The Bears chose not to sign a third running back this season. So besides Cohen, the backups are Ryan Nall and return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, or they could bring up undrafted rookie Artavis Pierce from the practice squad.