LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Top receiver Alshon Jeffery sat out Thursday's practice because of a knee injury, meaning the Chicago Bears could be missing two of their most important players on offense when they visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.
With quarterback Jay Cutler's status in doubt because of a sprained right thumb, the Bears (0-2) might also be without their No. 1 option at wide receiver.
Jeffery was unable to practice after participating on a limited basis the previous day.
Coach John Fox said the Bears are "monitoring" Jeffery, who was a limited participant on Wednesday, and that it "didn't go as well from yesterday to today."
Injuries limited Jeffery to nine games last season after he played in all 16 the previous two years, and he was bothered by a strained hamstring in training camp.
He is also playing under the franchise tag after he and the Bears were unable to agree to a long-term contract extension.
As for Cutler, the Bears haven't said he is out, though backup Brian Hoyer has been practicing with the first team. Cutler left Monday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Bears promoted quarterback Matt Barkley to the active roster and placed linebacker Lamarr Houston on injured reserve on Thursday. Houston tore the ACL in his left knee against the Eagles.
The Bears also signed fullback Paul Lasike to the practice squad after releasing him this week.
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