Chicago Bears don't expect WR Alshon Jeffery to play vs. Texans

The Chicago Bears plan to play without rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery on Sunday when they host the Houston Texans in a battle of two one-loss teams.

Jeffery broke his hand in the fourth quarter of the Bears' win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 7 and has missed the past three games. The receiver did not require any surgery, but he has worn a cast.

The initial report said Jeffery would miss four to six weeks with the injury, so him missing this game is not unexpected. Bears coach Lovie Smith remained positive about the situation, telling reporters:

"Alshon Jeffery continues to get better. Don't know what his status will be this week, but we're getting closer as each day goes by."

When Jeffery has been able to play this season, he has been one of the team's most effective weapons at receiver. Jeffery still has the third most snaps at receiver on the team, and he ranks fourth on the team in receiving, hauling in 14 catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie wideout has also been dependable, snagging over 60 percent of his targets.