Alshon Jeffery has not suited up for the Chicago Bears since week 1 of the NFL season. An injured calf and hamstring are the culprits keeping the wide receiver out in a pivotal year for him. Free agency is calling Alshon Jeffery and very game counts.

A big year would guarantee a huge pay increase. A subpar season leaves a lot of questions to ponder. The Bears do not want any uncertainties. To be honest, neither does Jeffery. They need each other.

After starting the season 0-3 the Chicago Bears have bounced back with two come-from-behind victories. Playing the winless Detriot Lions is next up for the Bears. Evening their record to 3-3 has to be on their minds. The Bears players know that another win further builds up some momentum. A once seemingly unlikely road to a possible playoff berth could be up for grabs. A win over a beatable opponent puts them another step closer. Having Alshon Jeffery, one of the best wide receivers in football, would be tremendous.

Taking a look at the Chicago Bears’ injury report (via chicagobears.com), they have at least one banged up player in just about every position on the roster. Among the banged up are tight end Martellus Bennett, left tackle Jermon Bushrod and fellow receiver Eddie Royal. Alshon Jeffery is listed as questionable for the sixth consecutive week.

Jeffery’s questionable status will keep everyone wondering if he will finally play. The answer, as of now, is that he is a game-time decision.

Larry Mayers, senior writer for chicagobears.com, spoke with Alshon Jeffery, who admitted that he is progressing with his calf and hamstring injuries.

“I’m just making progress every day. We’ll evaluate it. Let’s just see what the coaches say and see how it feels. We’re a couple of days away from Sunday, so we’ll see.”

The Pro Bowler admitted to being frustrated by the injuries that have mounted in his limited time practicing and on the field.

“It’s been frustrating at times. But I have great teammates and great coaches and great people around me that are keeping me in good spirits.”

It points to the idea that he might make it a go against Detroit. Just do not expect Bears head coach John Fox to announce anything until he has to submit his list of inactive players. Fox is, excuse the pun, wily when it comes to commenting on injured players. Everything he offers you is basic information. Coach Fox has minimized his comments to generalities that keeps fans, reporters, and other teams guessing about the availability of his players. Anything regarding the status of Alshon Jeffery will have to wait if it is up to the coach.

Despite not having Coach John Fox publicly acknowledge that Alshon Jeffery will play against the Lions, there are a couple of signs suggesting that he will play.

It began with Jeffery telling Larry Mayers that he is progressing. Prior to Alshon Jeffery’s admission, there was a recent report from ESPN Chicago. In it, the Bears’ offensive coordinator, Adam Gase, talked about the anticipation of having the receiver on the field because it allowed him to “be able to open things up a little bit.”

In his only game, Alshon Jeffery had five catches for 78 yards. He was clearly struggling to get downfield, but his presence opened up opportunities in the running game, as well as for the other receivers.

#Bears WR Alshon Jeffery talks with the media Thursday at Halas Hall. WATCH: http://t.co/aV6OIcdQIW pic.twitter.com/TbVQC89vLh — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 15, 2015

Why would Gase mention that if Alshon Jeffery was not going to play?

Jeffery playing against the Lions is a win-win for everybody. He is going to want a shiny new contract. If not from the Bears, then another team. Returning to the active roster while recovering from injury always looks good. It comes across as a show of good faith; a show of toughness. General managers like to see the players perform in spite of any ailments or pain. Alshon Jeffery suiting up could be the difference in a few million dollars more or less on his next contract. He wants the commitment from the team, he will have to show that he is committed. There is no better way to do that than by playing in Detroit.

It is possible that he does sit out of the Detroit Lions’ game.

A bye in week 7 beckons after the Bears visit Detroit. Alshon Jeffery could wait for one more game, go into the bye week and return healthy for a week 8 meeting with the Minnesota Vikings.

If you are a Bears’ fan, or you have Alshon Jeffery on your fantasy football team, keep your eye on his availability against the Lions.

Alshon Jeffery Status Update:

The latest news is that Alshon Jeffery is a go for the Chicago Bears in today’s game versus the Detroit Lions. Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times tweeted out that the Pro Bowl wide receiver was spotted running with the receiving corps, in an apparent attempt to test out his calf and hamstring.

Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) has joined the #Bears receivers for warmups. — Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) October 18, 2015

The Bears get a double shot of good news as not only will Alshon Jeffery suit up, but Martellus Bennett will also play. Bennett was originally listed as questionable with a quadriceps injury.

Good news for Jay Cutler & Bears. Alshon Jeffery & Martellus Bennett are both expected to play. (via @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/Ta4x1Lpl0y — NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 18, 2015

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has monitored the Bears injury situation closely, along with the local Chicago sports media. Fans adjust your fantasy rosters, Alshon Jeffery will play.

[Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Sport]