Nagy: Floyd on target for Packers
Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd didn’t practice Monday, but he is expected to return to practice next week and still is on pace to start Sept. 9 against the Packers at Lambeau Field, coach Matt
Nagy said. Floyd is recovering from a broken right hand suffered Aug. 18 against the Broncos.
‘‘I feel good that he’ll play [against the Packers],’’ Nagy said. ‘‘He’ll probably have that club on him, but he’ll be ready to play.’’
Nagy said his hopes were buoyed by research the Bears did on the effectiveness of players who have played in similar situations.
‘‘There have been some good players that have played with clubs,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘It prevents you a little bit from grabbing, but we feel confident he’ll be able to play.’’
Hicks limited but good
Defensive end Akiem Hicks, who hadn’t practiced since developing knee soreness before the game against the Broncos, practiced on a limited basis and also is expected to be in ‘‘play’’ mode when the Bears open practice for the Packers next week.
Shaheen status quo
Nagy had no update about tight end Adam Shaheen, who has been out since suffering a sprained ankle and foot against the Broncos.
Safety DeAndre Houston-Carson didn’t have a cast on his broken arm, but Nagy said ‘‘it’s probably unrealistic’’ that Houston-Carson would be healthy enough to play against the Packers. Still, Houston-Carson won’t go on injured reserve, Nagy said.
Backup offensive tackle Bradley Sowell suffered a sprained ankle against the Chiefs and isn’t expected to play Thursday against the Bills. His long-term status is unknown.
The Trestman touch
Nagy has instituted a random lockerroom setup, as opposed to the normal position-specific arrangement. So center Cody Whitehair is between linebacker Danny Trevathan and Hicks, and quarterback Mitch Trubisky is next to offensive tackle Bobby Massie and receiver Allen Robinson. Marc Trestman did the same thing in 2013-14.
‘‘The philosophy [behind] that is that you put big guys next to small guys, you put loud guys next to quiet guys, you put leaders next to non-leaders, offense vs. defense, center vs. D-tackle,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘I think what that does is it forces them to communicate a little bit with each other.
‘‘I wanted our guys to come in and have a little culture shock and say, ‘Whoa, who am I next to?’ And then strike up a conversation and try to figure it out. I wanted it to be hard for them a little bit and then work through it. I think it’s important for our whole team to bond.’’