Irving takes over for Floyd
Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks has a message for outside linebackers Isaiah Irving and Howard Jones, the two players who are expected to fill the void left by injured Leonard Floyd on Sunday against the Eagles.
“You got to pick up the slack,” Hicks said. “[ We] got to find guys that are willing to go in there and show why they get to wear a Bears uniform. It’s an honor. It’s not just something that’s just given to you. You’ve got to be able to go out there and play hard and strong. We’ll look for those guys to step up and play the game of their lives.”
With Jones recently being promoted from the practice squad, Irving is the “next man up” with Floyd on injured reserve. Irving has been on the active roster since Week 5 against the Vikings, but he has gotten only five snaps on defense. He has been on the field for 79 special- teams plays.
“I’m excited to prove to the audience, to the coaches, to my family and everybody that I can play the game,” Irving said.
Irving, an undrafted free agent from San Jose State, was promoted from the practice squad Oct. 9 after Willie Young went on IR with a triceps injury.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said in October that Irving struggled in camp but that “he hit a point where he started getting better instead of nothing” halfway through the preseason. In the last two exhibition games, Irving had three sacks, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and a forced fumble.
“I’ve learned that it’s all about your first step, honestly,” Irving said. “If you don’t have a good step, then pretty much half of the battle for the offensive linemen is already won.”
NOTES: Akiem Hicks was limited in practice Friday after sitting out the previous two days because of a knee injury. He’s listed as questionable but is expected to play.
“Just a little bit of maintenance, keeping the body right, making sure you go into the [ game] as strong as possible,” Hicks said. “We’ll be good.”
Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee also is questionable after sitting out practice because of a knee issue.
Four players are doubtful: linebacker Danny Trevathan ( calf), receiver Josh Bellamy ( concussion), safety DeAndre Houston- Carson ( ankle) and defensive lineman Roy Robertson- Harris ( hamstring).
Tight end Dion Sims ( illness), receiver Dontrelle Inman ( groin) and defensive lineman Mitch Unrein ( knee) are questionable but practiced in full.
Nickel back Bryce Callahan ( knee) and offensive lineman Tom Compton ( ankle) are questionable. Quarterback Mark Sanchez missed practice with an illness.
Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead was fined $ 9,115 for stepping on the ankle of left tackle Charles Leno. Defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga was fined $ 18,231 for his roughing- the- passer penalty for hitting Mitch Trubisky below his knees.
Bears guard Kyle Long was fined $ 9,115 for his unnecessary- roughness penalty for hitting defensive tackle A ’Shawn Robinson away from the play.