In one of the few recent positive personnel developments for a beleaguered Bears team, linebacker Pernell McPhee was moved from his physically unable to perform status onto the active roster on Thursday.
The team waived fullback Paul Lasike to open a spot on the 53-man roster for McPhee, who has been working his way back from offseason knee surgery and only began practicing last Friday.
McPhee being active for the Green Bay game was still unknown mid-afternoon, and the outside linebacker has had just two practice sessions plus the team?s walk-through on Wednesday.
But McPhee was voted as one of the defensive co-captains and universally considered one of the emotional leaders on a team that has taken emotional hits for much of this season. Additionally, McPhee projects to provide a major lift for a spotty pass rush, although how soon he will be able to contribute in more than selected situation remains to play out.
McPhee is not expected to play the majority of opponent?s snaps in whichever game he makes his return.
McPhee has appeared in 74 games over five seasons with the Ravens (2011-14) and Bears (2015), starting 18 contests, posting 155 tackles, 23 sacks, one interception, 10 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He also owns one blocked field goal on special teams.
McPhee set career highs in tackles (64) and interceptions (one) in his first season as a Bear in 2015. He also ranked third on the Bears in sacks (six) and tied for second in tackles for a loss (10) in 2015. He helped the Ravens to a Super Bowl Championship after the 2012 season, posting four tackles, one sack, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery during the playoff run.
The team waived fullback Paul Lasike to open a spot on the 53-man roster for McPhee, who has been working his way back from offseason knee surgery and only began practicing last Friday.
McPhee being active for the Green Bay game was still unknown mid-afternoon, and the outside linebacker has had just two practice sessions plus the team?s walk-through on Wednesday.
But McPhee was voted as one of the defensive co-captains and universally considered one of the emotional leaders on a team that has taken emotional hits for much of this season. Additionally, McPhee projects to provide a major lift for a spotty pass rush, although how soon he will be able to contribute in more than selected situation remains to play out.
McPhee is not expected to play the majority of opponent?s snaps in whichever game he makes his return.
McPhee has appeared in 74 games over five seasons with the Ravens (2011-14) and Bears (2015), starting 18 contests, posting 155 tackles, 23 sacks, one interception, 10 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He also owns one blocked field goal on special teams.
McPhee set career highs in tackles (64) and interceptions (one) in his first season as a Bear in 2015. He also ranked third on the Bears in sacks (six) and tied for second in tackles for a loss (10) in 2015. He helped the Ravens to a Super Bowl Championship after the 2012 season, posting four tackles, one sack, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery during the playoff run.
