Bears Activate Pernell McPhee From PUP List

(CBS) In a bit of a surprise, the Bears have activated linebacker Pernell McPhee from the physically-unable-to-perform list ahead of Thursday night's road game against the Packers.

McPhee's had a long road back after having knee surgery last February. The hope initially was that McPhee would be a full go for training camp, but the knee continued to bother him and he was sidelined. He returned to practice for the first time last Friday and, despite not going through a full session yet, is expected to play at Green Bay.

Signed in March 2015 to be a cornerstone of the Bears defense, McPhee had 64 tackles and six sacks in 14 games last season.

To make room for McPhee on the active roster, the Bears waived fullback Paul Lasike.

Kickoff between the Bears (1-5) and Packers (3-2) comes at 7:25 p.m. at Lambeau Field.