Bears Readying CB Kyle Fuller For Return From IR

By Chris Emma--

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller practiced with his team Wednesday for the first time since early in the season, the continuation of a process to activate the 2014 first-round pick from injury reserve.

Fuller suffered a knee injury during training camp. He underwent a procedure in August to repair the knee. The Bears shut down Fuller and placed him on IR prior to Week 4. With Fuller rejoining the Bears at practice, the team now has opened its 21-day window for his return to the active roster.

Watching the Bears' struggles from the sidelines has been difficult for Fuller.

"Probably just wanting to be out there and you can't and trusting the process," he said. "So it felt good to be back."

In his return to practice, Fuller worked within his position and also participated in team drills, according to Bears coach John Fox.

Teams are allowed to designate one player for a return from IR. The Bears have 15 players currently on IR, meaning Fuller's return would end the possibility of returning for the other 14.

Fuller had yet to miss a game prior to this season. He has six interceptions in two seasons, four of which came during his rookie campaign. For now, Fuller is keeping the goal simple.

"Just getting back on the field and just performing," he said.

Fuller's four-year contract expires at the end of the 2017 season, meaning the chance to return and make impressions on the Bears will be important.

"Any kind of momentum, really for our whole football team moving forward in the next five weeks," Fox said of Fuller. "Probably not a whole lot different for Kyle than the rest of our team — getting a look at guys and hopefully finish the season strong."

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.