(MCT) CHICAGO — Lance Briggs marvels at the consecutive games streak linebacker London Fletcher has going for the Redskins, 235 and counting.
The Bears’ perennial Pro Bowl linebacker is nowhere near Fletcher with 37, but he rarely has missed time in his 10-year career and doesn’t plan to be sidelined Sunday when the Seahawks visit Soldier Field.
Briggs, who was held out of practice Wednesday at Halas Hall with a right ankle injury, returned to the field Thursday along with two other starters who missed a day — cornerback Charles Tillman (right ankle) and tight end Kellen Davis (left ankle). All three were limited.
Briggs has missed only four games in his career and in six seasons played in all 16 games.
“I thought it was five, but then four games,” he said. “I don’t plan on missing this week either.”
He never has been accused of being the most well-conditioned of the Bears defensive players, but Briggs has been sturdy and avoided soft-tissue injuries that can be nagging.
“I don’t know,” Briggs said when asked what the key was. “I drink apple juice usually every morning. Orchard Style. I just have been blessed, feel lucky. One of the guys who has made it 10 years and hasn’t missed many games. London Fletcher ... just feel blessed.”
Other than kicker Robbie Gould (109), Davis and Julius Peppers have the longest active streaks for the Bears with 75 with 43 of Peppers’ coming in a Bears uniform. Peppers has the longest starting streak on the roster with 43.
Forte on target: Running back Matt Forte practiced for the second consecutive game and his right ankle injury isn’t as serious as the one he had in Week 2, when he missed one game. He has been seeing a chiropractor and sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber at his home.
Forte is hoping to get going Sunday, especially after the offense was committed to the run against the Vikings. He said he can’t be concerned about moving parts on the offensive line.
“It doesn’t change my approach at all,” he said. “You just have to trust those guys up front. ... If we make mistakes in the game, then go to the sideline and make adjustments so that we don’t continue to make them.”
Forte has been consistent, making 51 to 63 receptions in each of his first four seasons. But he has only 27 this year, second on the team, for 184 yards. He’s on pace for 39.
“It’s difficult right now to try to get (more) involved when we’re trying to establish the run so much,” he said. “It doesn’t matter when or how many catches I get. It just has to be effective.”
Extra points: Wide receiver Devin Hester (concussion) and guard Chris Spencer (bruised knee) have been ruled out of Sunday’s game. ... Vikings defensive end Jared Allen said he is not sure if he will appeal his $21,000 fine for hit that ended Lance Louis’ season. He says he’s not worried about the Bears seeking payback when the teams meet Dec. 9 at Minnesota. “I don’t expect any (retribution),” Allen said. “If they do, hey, it is what it is.”
