Julius Peppers Not Expected To Practice Until at least Friday

Bears head coach Lovie Smith was expected to keep defensive end Julius Peppers injury status a mystery all week leading up to the Sunday night affair with the 1-4 Vikings.
Surprisingly he met with the media today and told them this about Peppers, “hopefully by Friday he’ll be able to do some things and he’ll be able to go this weekend.”
Smith also said Peppers’ “knee is still sore today” and that the team “is monitoring it.”
Expect more news about his injury as the week progresses.
Backups Nick Reed and Mario Addison will likely get some reps with the first team during practice at defensive end.
It will be interesting to see if the coaches try to use DT Henry Melton at defensive end this week in practice.
If Peppers can’t return, don’t be surprised if Melton gets some time at defensive end on Sunday night.
Peppers is still one of the elite defensive ends in the NFL,

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