Antrel Rolle Is Bears' Second Injury From Ramped-Up Walk-Through
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- For the second time this season, the Bears lost a valuable player in one of John Fox's noted ramped-up walk-through practice.
On Saturday, as the Bears were preparing for their contest with the Broncos, Antrel Rolle suffered a tweak to his knee, the extent of which isn't yet known. The team issued a notice to the media informing that Rolle's status was downgraded from probable with an ankle injury to questionable with a knee and ankle injury.
Rolle didn't play Sunday, with Chris Prosinski taking his place at safety in a 17-15 loss to Denver. Less than 24 hours later, Chicago coach John Fox was pressed as to how Rolle was injured in a walk-through.
"That was an unusual one, to say the least," Fox said. "But football is a rough game, whether you practice it or play it."
In a follow-up question, Fox was asked if he could elaborate to what made this injury unusual.
"Not really," Fox said in response. "He tweaked his knee."
During the Bears' walk-through the day before their first preseason contest, receiver Alshon Jeffery suffered a groin injury. It came as a surprise that he wasn't present at Soldier Field for the game. Jeffery returned for the season opener against Green Bay but has missed five games with injuries to his hamstring and groin.
Now, Rolle is the second known injury in a Bears walk-through practice. Fox was asked why he prefers his walk-throughs to be full of energy, rather than sticking to the literal definition of walking through the plays.
"Like everything, I think especially at the professional level, if you practice, it kind of helps, regardless of what sports you're talking about," Fox said. "I don't know too many coaches that feel like they don't have to practice.
"Understanding sports, I don't know how many golfers go out and work on their half-swings, or tennis work on half-speed to practice tennis. It's a professional sport, and we have to practice it to stay finely tuned."
The trademark of Fox teams is a hard-working, fighting group, something the Bears have displayed during this season. Fox has maximized the Bears' roster to the tune of four wins and a rather surprising level of strong play in several close losses.
Yet, one of Fox's factors for game preparation is a walk-through that doesn't go through the motions. It has cost the Bears two injuries on the season. As of Monday, it remains to be seen how long Rolle will be sidelined.
