After Brian Urlacher did his best to assure everyone his knee was fine on Thursday, he missed practice later in the day.
Bears coach Lovie Smith called it his decision, but it's sure to cause angst considering the spotty way information on Urlacher's knee injury has been handled.
"Coach's decision," Smith said. "I don't know exactly what the plan will be all year but I'm going to watch his reps a little bit.
"He'll be full go (Friday). He should be fine."
Smith said the same of safety Chris Conte, who continued to practice only on a limited basis as a result of his shoulder injury. Punter Adam Podlesh also participated only on a limited basis due to his hip-flexor injury.
Ryan Quigley remains on the roster and did the punting in Thursday's practice after Podlesh had tried on Wednesday.
Special day for rookie: First-round draft pick Shea McClellin could wind up on special teams coverage and/or return teams Sunday.
"If he's not in the rotation (on the defensive line) strongly and he's not getting a lot of reps on defense, then there's a possibility that we'll use him in some spots," special teams coordinator Dave Toub said.
Inside info: DE Israel Idonije on Sunday could wind up playing at four defensive line positions -- and will play three different spots. Whether Idonije moves inside depends on how much McClellin is used outside in nickel and passing situations.
"I'm fortunate that I can do those things," Idonije said. "It's not like I'm just going in cold. I've practiced all training camp in that system, just going inside (to tackle) in nickel downs. And we have some other guys that are going to get in there and just really move it around and not let (the Colts offensive) line get comfortable with the blocking schemes."
Double duty: Although Eric Weems is available, it will only be in relief duty on returns. Devin Hester has the assignment as starting punt and kick returner. In the past, it hadn't been clear whether he would be backup or regular kick returner, although his punt return duties already had been cemented.
Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLCHI.
