When the Bears put cornerback Charles Tillman on injured reserve with the return designation, they were holding out hope that he could play in the playoffs. But that won’t happen.
Bears coach Marc Trestman said today that Tillman isn’t far enough along in his recovery from a triceps injury, and he definitely will not play until next season. So even if the Bears get to the playoffs, Tillman won’t be there.
There’s better news, however, for one of the Bears’ other top defensive players. Trestman reiterated today what he said last week, that he’s reasonably optimistic that linebacker Lance Briggs can play on Sunday against the Eagles. Briggs has missed the last seven games with a shoulder injury.
Despite being ravaged with injuries, the Bears are still in the thick of the NFC North race. If the Bears win their final two games (at Philadelphia on Sunday and home against the Packers in Week 17) while the Lions lose at least one, then Chicago will go to the playoffs.