Alshon Jeffery questionable, Jay Cutler doubtful for Bears

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears listed wide receiver Alshon Jeffery questionable and quarterback Jay Cutler doubtful to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

Chicago's leading receiver, Jeffery caused a minor stir on Thursday when he missed practice because of a knee injury -- Jeffery had been limited on Wednesday -- but he was back out there on Friday, albeit in limited fashion.

"I feel pretty good," Jeffery said. "[The knee] was something that came up in the game [Monday versus the Eagles]."

Jeffery has been the Bears' only consistent playmaker on an offense that ranks 31st overall, 30th in points scored and 29th in passing offense.

He is ninth in the league in receiving yards since 2013 (3,562), and in only four-plus years is seventh all-time in receiving yards in Bears history. Jeffery recorded his 13th 100-yard receiving yards by catching four balls for 105 yards versus Houston in Week 1.

Jeffery is also more assertive in the locker room than in previous years, a development coach John Fox attributes to Jeffery's improved health. The former Pro Bowl receiver sat out seven games last year due to a variety of soft tissue injuries.

"He was inactive for games due to injury [in 2015]," Fox said. "You could see that fire [Jeffery has for the game], but on a limited basis. This year he's remained healthy for the most part and he's been voted a captain. He's taken an assertive role in the locker room."

As for Cutler, the veteran quarterback did not practice all week, but is pushing to return from a right thumb sprain.

"All these guys are competitors, they all want to play," Fox said. "You know when you're injured to the point where you're going to hurt the team. I think I respect and appreciate guys that will make that decision. You know we're trying to win games."

The Bears are expected to start 30-year old quarterback Brian Hoyer on Sunday and use Matt Barkley in the No. 2 role. Chicago's emergency quarterback, if it reaches that point, is likely wide receiver Cameron Meredith, who played quarterback until his junior year at Illinois State University.