The Bears` injury picture brightened Wednesday when the condition of cornerbacks Donnell Woolford and Vestee Jackson improved.
Coach Mike Ditka said Woolford is ”90 percent” healthy after Wednesday`s practice and that Jackson, although he didn`t participate fully, did dress and work out some. ”Everything`s going to be all right,” said Jackson, suffering from a groin pull and bruised knee. ”I`ll be ready by Sunday. Right now, the groin is the worst.”
Ditka reported that wide receiver Ron Morris was recovering from his bruised sternum but that backup defensive tackle Tim Ryan had a bad leg bruise and didn`t take part in the regular workout. Rookie tackle Fred Washington will see more playing time against the Lions as Dan Hampton is out resting his sore knees.
”I don`t know how much Tim will be able to play,” Ditka said. ”Tim has really come on in practice. He practices a lot like Trace Armstrong does.”
William Perry, who had been on crutches Monday and Tuesday to take weight off his sprained ankle, practiced Wednesday and will be ready for Sunday.
”Physically, I`m here,” Perry said. ”You get the mind, the body will follow. Everything`s great.”
More Top Picks Best Cowboy Coffee Pots
Getting even: Defensive back David Tate is confident his alma mater, Colorado, will avenge last year`s Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame in the Jan. 1 rematch. ”I was talking to Mark Green (ex-Irish back) and I`m trying to get in touch with Dave Duerson (Giants safety),” Tate said. ”We`ve got to rekindle those bets from last year. I took a beating last year.”
Super linebacker: Middle linebacker Mike Singletary was the only Bear voted onto the NFL`s Silver Anniversary Super Bowl Team as an inside linebacker. Richard Dent was third at defensive end in the balloting that attracted more than 1.1 million votes.
Looking ahead: Although the Bears` schedule for next season won`t be finalized until late April, the NFL`s scheduling formula already dictates that they`ll be home against the New York Giants and at San Francisco. They`ll also have games against Buffalo and Miami, one home and the other on the road. The schedule will be considerably tougher after winning the NFC Central Division title.
Limping Lions: Linebacker Dennis Gibson is out with an arch injury and cornerback Bruce Alexander is doubtful with a heel injury. Detroit`s best offensive lineman, tackle Lomas Brown, is questionable with a rib injury. The NFC`s leading kick returner, Mel Gray, is questionable with a shoulder injury. Safety William White (ribs) and wide receiver Aubrey Matthews (shoulder) are probable.