The Chicago Bears will be without two starters -- safety Chris Conte (shoulder) and linebacker Lance Briggs (ribs) -- when they face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the team announced.
Bears coach Marc Trestman declined Friday to discuss specifics of the rib injury that also sidelined Briggs for last weekend's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Trestman has said on multiple occasions that Briggs did not suffer a fracture to his ribs.
"I can't be specific because there's no reason to be here. He has some soreness in his ribs. He's not ready to play," Trestman said after practice at Halas Hall. "That's exactly what the trainers have said to me. When you're making contact on every play, ribs are not the place you want to have soreness. I'll leave it at that. I'm not keeping anything from anybody."
Conte suffered a sprained shoulder last week In what has been an injury-plagued start to the season. He also has sprained both shoulders and has twice been diagnosed with concussions this season.
It was suggested that Conte might need to take time off to rest so his injuries could heal, but Trestman said the safety simply isn't ready to play.
"Well, he's not ready. It's not about resting," Trestman said. "He's been out here running and working. He came out here today and ran hard. It's just about that shoulder mending enough where the trainers release him to practice."
In Conte's absence, rookie Brock Vereen worked with the starters at safety. But it's also expected that Danny McCray will be a part of the rotation at the position as well.
The Bears also have multiple options as potential replacements for Briggs. Shea McClellin, who is returning from a broken hand, is expected to start at the strong side linebacker spot, which would free up Jonathan Bostic, who is questionable with a back injury, to take Briggs' place on the weak side.
Middle linebacker D.J. Williams, who was held out last week due to a neck injury, is probable for Sunday's game.
"We do have options. We're really going to see what the next couple days bring with D.J., who got work yesterday and we'll see where Jonathan is," Trestman said. "We know where he's at right now. We feel good because we're getting people back."
In other injury news, left tackle Jermon Bushrod (knee and ankle) is probable along with safety Ahmad Dixon (hamstring), cornerback Sherrick McManis (quadriceps and hamstring) and right tackle Jordan Mills (foot).