Chicago Bears fans received both good and bad news yesterday
on the injury front. On the one hand, Bears faithful were told that defensive
tackle Henry Melton was close to fully returning from the concussion he sustained
this preseason. However, it was also reported that wide receiver Brandon
Marshall’s leave of absence has to do with a scheduled follow-up to check out
his ailing hip.
Henry Melton
Melton has been sidelined with a concussion he suffered Aug.
9 during a preseason contest against the Carolina Panthers. He’s increased his
workload recently, and head coach Marc Trestman told reporters – including Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com – that the lineman will continue working out through
Monday, at which point he’ll be re-evaluated.
“He did more today,” said coach Marc Trestman. “He’s out here working. He ran yesterday. He ran a little bit more today and we’re going to continually progress him. He’ll work out before the game tomorrow, so he’ll be working out every day through Monday and we’ll see where he is then.”
Trestman added that all signs are pointing to Melton being
cleared in time to suit up for the team’s regular season opener. However, the
head coach said that Melton’s level of conditioning will ultimately determine
if he’s available Sept. 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
There doesn’t seem to be much question that Marshall will be
in the Bears’ starting lineup come Sept. 8, but there has been speculation
surrounding the wide out’s ailing hip. Marshall underwent surgery on his hip in
January, the third procedure he’s had on his hip since 2009.
Recently, the Bears gave Marshall an extended period away
from the team, and Trestman would only say that this was due to personal
issues. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported yesterday that the absence
has at least something to do with Marshall’s hip, as the wide receiver has a
follow-up scheduled.
Why is Brandon Marshall taking 4 days away from the #Bears? It's his previously scheduled follow-up appointment after offseason hip surgery
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 28, 2013
Trestman and the Bears have downplayed Marshall’s injury,
but tight end Martellus Bennett told reporters that his teammate has been
frustrated with his recovery. It’s unclear what impact the hip ailment will
have on Marshall, but Chicago would certainly prefer him to be fully healthy
entering the season.
Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt
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