Bears could have Lance Briggs vs. Eagles but not Charles Tillman

Tom Pelissero | USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears' struggling defense could get back a key veteran this week. Another won't be back at all this season.

Coach Marc Trestman told news reporters Monday he's reasonably optimistic linebacker Lance Briggs will play Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. But cornerback Charles Tillman's season is over.

Briggs, 33, hasn't played since Oct. 20, when he suffered a shoulder injury in a loss to the Washington Redskins that was originally expected to keep him out four to six weeks.

Tillman, 32, was placed on injured reserve with designation to return Nov. 11 because of a right triceps injury. Trestman said Monday that Tillman won't be activated once he's eligible.

"It became apparent over time that he wouldn't be available," Trestman said.

The next question is whether Tillman has played his last game with the Bears after 11 seasons in Chicago. He's making $8 million in the last year of his contract and is a free agent after the season.

The Bears rank 27th in yards allowed and 32nd against the run, a problematic statistic given the Eagles own the league's No. 1 rushing offense.

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