BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Here are a couple observations from the Chicago Bears practice field on Thursday morning;

• Left tackle Jermon Bushrod remains sidelined with a right calf strain, although Bushrod is not wearing a walking boot as he was on Wednesday.

• Cornerback Tim Jennings remains excused for personal reasons.

• Offensive tackle Jonathan Scott and defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson are both out with knee soreness.

• With Bushrod and Scott on the shelf, veteran Eben Britton is taking No. 1 reps at left tackle.

• Linebacker Lance Briggs has the day off.

• Middle linebacker D.J. Williams is present at practice but still in a walking boot after suffering a right calf injury on Wednesday. Williams is officially listed as week-to-week.

• Rookie Jon Bostic and veteran James Anderson are the starting nickel linebackers. Blake Costanzo and rookie Khaseem Greene also figure to receive increased reps at linebacker during the workout.

• Officials are working practice for the first time since training camp opened.