Pernell McPhee is one step closer to returning to the field. The Bears linebacker has been given the go-ahead to practice, coach John Fox told reporters today. 
McPhee had his left knee operated on in February, putting his status for this season in doubt. Prior to the start of the season, Chicago put him on the PUP list. The Bears now have exactly three weeks to decide whether to activate the veteran. If he is not put on the roster in the next 21 days, he cannot play this season. With any luck, McPhee will be able to suit up on Thursday Oct. 20 against the Packers.
McPhee came to Chicago on a five-year, $38.75MM deal last offseason. Last year, he was earning every penny of that contract before his knee slowed him down.
McPhee had a nice year for us last year. The Bears are not a good team tight now. They need a healthy team to really compete to be a 500 team. Pace has drafted well the last two years and done well with free agent signings. The Bears will be good in a couple years…I’m just not sure who their QB will be when that time comes.