LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman practiced on Friday after suffering an ankle injury and is expected to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Linebacker Lance Briggs and running back Matt Forte, both dealing with ankle injuries as well, also practiced Friday, a day after each said they expected to play on Sunday. The Bears listed all three as probable on their injury report Friday.
All three players were unable to finish last Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, but Forte was able to have limited participation in Wednesday's practice. Briggs and Tillman returned to the field the next day on a limited basis.
Tillman played the least amount in the game last weekend after he suffered an ankle injury in the first half that limited him to just 18 plays in the Bears' 28-10 victory over the Vikings. But the 10-year veteran has a proven track record when it comes to playing through injuries. Tillman has missed just six games since 2005 despite dealing with various shoulder, back and shin ailments.
"I'm trying to win a championship here, so I know we can't get that with me being on the sidelines," Tillman said. "I'm just trying to be out there and help out.
"What is it, Week 13? No one is healthy right now, and that goes across the league right now. No one is healthy."
Bears coach Lovie Smith said he knew all week that Tillman, Forte and Briggs would make it back in time to face Seattle.
"It was never really a part of the mindset that he wouldn't be able to play this week," Smith said. "Just like the rest of our guys. A lot of them couldn't finish the game; guys like Lance Briggs, Forte, they got a lot of treatment. They know how important this football game is."
Tight end Kellen Davis (ankle), defensive tackle Stephen Paea (shoulder) and guard Edwin Williams (shoulder) are also listed as probable on the injury report.
Rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (knee) did not practice Friday and is listed as doubtful, but he could return against the Vikings. The Bears have a timeline of two to four weeks for Jeffery's return after he underwent a knee scope on Nov. 21, following the team's loss in San Francisco.
The Bears ruled out wide receiver Devin Hester (concussion) and offensive guard Chris Spencer (knee) on Thursday.