But now, they can rest assured knowing that Chicago's greatest offensive weapon will also be missing. Their quarterback is also a mystery.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Alshon Jeffery is expected to miss this weekend's game with a hamstring issue. It will be his third straight no show.
ESPN.com first reported the development.
The team announced that Jeffery is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. They also listed Jay Cutler (hamstring) as questionable.
Jeffery missed almost a month this preseason with a calf injury and now this secondary issue is causing more problems for a Bears offense that is already flat lining with or without Jay Cutler under center.
Cutler hasn't taken any snaps since the team's Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, though he's been doing his best to expedite what should have been a lengthy rehab process.
Looking at these mounting issues with 20/20 hindsight, it's easy to say the Bears should not have traded the rejuvenated and super-productive Brandon Marshall to the Jets for a late-round pick. Backup quarterback may have also been another area to explore given the nature of the situation.
Then again, they expected something -- anything -- out of their No. 7 overall pick, Kevin White.
The cursed season in Chicago continues for at least another week. Oakland, looking to reverse a gloomy recent past of their own, could not be happier.
