Bears' Alshon Jeffery Gradually Working Back From Hamstring Injury

By Chris Emma--

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) -- Following an injury-riddled season and the subsequent franchise tag, receiver Alshon Jeffery was asked by the Bears to go prove he can be healthy and productive. That goal suffered a setback last week when he was sidelined with "minor" hamstring tightness.

Jeffery returned to work this week but in a limited fashion. After missing the entire 2015 preseason with a calf injury, Jeffery's status for the Bears' preseason opener Thursday is in question.

"That's for the coaches to decide," Jeffery said of whether he'll play against the Broncos.

Last season, Jeffery missed seven games with four different soft-tissue injuries, including another hamstring strain. Jeffery suffered a calf injury a year ago while working in scouting team defense during a walk-through prior to the preseason opener last August.

Despite missing the entire preseason, Jeffery was productive when healthy, recording 54 catches for 807 yards and four touchdowns. Speaking on Monday, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler stated that he would like to see Jeffery in preseason action.

"It's going to be important for him to get a few reps out there, just to get used to football," Cutler said. "He's been kind of on and off at camp so just getting three games, four games in of just getting some reps, just getting his conditioning, just getting ready to play football. Get some soreness and work through that, I think that would be good for him."

Jeffery's latest injury kept him out for most of last week, including Saturday's scrimmage at Soldier Field. He returned to work Monday and again Tuesday but has practiced in a limited role, which hasn't included scrimmage action.

The Bears plan to be extra cautious in working Jeffery back, a source said. The hamstring injury created worries around the organization but not for Jeffery.

"I wasn't too concerned," Jeffery said.

During this offseason, Jeffery skipped the Bears' voluntary workouts and OTAs to work with his personal trainer. The program was aimed to prevent injuries.

Jeffery returned to the Bears without financial guarantees beyond this season. He's confident that good health and fortunes will follow. This most recent injury was just a minor setback in his mind.

"I feel a lot better," Jeffery said. "I'm just taking it one day at a time."

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.