Bears punter Adam Podlesh practiced without limitations Friday and is listed as probable on the injury report for Sunday’s season opener, meaning there’s a 75 percent chance he’ll play.
Podlesh injured his hip flexor Aug. 18 in a preseason win over the Redskins. If he’s unable to go Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, undrafted rookie Ryan Quigley will take his place.
“Adam’s got a little bit more control with his direction whereas Ryan is more of a bomber-type guy,” said special teams coordinator Dave Toub. “He’s real good at hitting the ball down the middle deep high with hang time whereas Adam can control it better, which is conductive for the Chicago weather with the wind that we get and what we do with our coverage.”
Quigley performed well in Podlesh’s place in the final two preseason games. He averaged 43.6 yards while placing three of seven punts inside-the-20 against the Giants and landed three-of-four punts inside-the-20 while recovering a fumble on a punt return versus the Browns.
“I’m very comfortable [with Quigley],” Toub said. “He’s established himself. He had two solid games for us those last two preseason games. We feel good about Ryan.”
In other injury news, running back Lorenzo Booker (head) missed practice for a third straight day Friday and is listed as questionable. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (knee), safety Chris Conte (shoulder) and receiver Earl Bennett (hand) are probable.
For the Colts, linebacker Pat Angerer (foot) and guard Joe Reitz (knee) are out; running back Delone Carter (chest) and receivers Austin Collie (head) and T.Y. Hilton (shoulder) are questionable; and running back Mewelde Moore (chest), cornerback Jerraud Powers (knee) and defensive end Cory Redding (knee) are probable.
