NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers

Bears

Bears HC Matt Nagy said he has not decided on their Week 12 starting quarterback between Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles. 

“There are a lot of factors involved in it right now,” Nagy said. “We’re looking at all that. But for us, what we’ve got to do is we have to start with the availability.”

Bears C Cody Whitehair said Trubisky is focusing on improving each day in practice. 

“He just comes to work every day focusing on getting better,” said Whitehair said. “Whatever role he’s put in, that’s what he tries to do is just get better every day.”

Nagy said he has been “very impressed” with Trubisky’s progress and expressed confidence in him going forward. 

“I’m very, very impressed with how he’s grown week to week,” Nagy said. “I mean that. It wasn’t easy by any means those first couple weeks. It was hard. It was out of place for him and for us. But he kind of got to take a step back and see where he’s at. If he is going, what I would say is this — I have all the confidence in the world in him.”

• Bears QB Nick Foles (hip) did not practice on Thursday, but QB Mitch Trubisky (shoulder) put in a full session, which implies he’ll get the start on Sunday.
• Bears HC Matt Nagy declined to name a starting quarterback, however. 
• Nagy said DT Akiem Hicks (hamstring) is feeling “better and better” but it’s unclear whether he’ll be available this weekend. (Jeff Dickerson)

Lions

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes that Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp is a bit of a wildcard as she just took control of the team six months ago and there’s not a lot of precedent on how she’ll operate, including deciding on the job security of GM Bob Quinn and HC Matt Patricia. 
• Following Thursday’s disappointing loss to the Texans, Patricia was, once again, asked about his job status: “My focus every day is with the guys in that locker room. … We’re pretty short-term and focused on the task at hand.” (Albert Breer)

Packers

• Packers OLBs coach Mike Smith believes OLB Rashan Gary deserves more playing time: “He deserves more reps. He’s just playing good football.” (Matt Schneidman)
• Smith said OLB Preston Smith is not executing how they want him to: “He’s not rushing the way I want him to rush right now.” (Schneidman)
• Packers HC Matt LaFleur says he does think WR Davante Adams and C Corey Linsley can play Sunday: “We’re hopeful that Corey can make it back. I think Tae, we’re going to be cautious with him. Both those guys are such an important part of our team, and we need them available to be at our best.” (Ryan Wood)
• Regarding DL Montravius Adams‘ toe injury, which dates to training camp, LaFleur said it will end his season. (Rob Demovsky)