LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte (back) missed his third consecutive day of practice Saturday, and the club officially lists him as doubtful for Monday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field.
The club also held out defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (knee) and defensive end Cornelius Washington (ankle), but that duo is listed as questionable along with kicker Robbie Gould (right quadriceps), and offensive lineman Michael Ola (back).
Conte suffered the back injury during the third quarter of the team’s Dec. 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and couldn’t continue. Prior to that, Conte left the club’s loss at Detroit on Thanksgiving because of an eye injury. Conte has been diagnosed with two concussions this season, in addition to missing time with sprains of both shoulders.
If Conte can’t play against the Saints, it’s likely the team would go with rookie Brock Vereen at free safet over recent addition Anthony Walters or Danny McCray.
Ratliff, meanwhile, hasn’t played since the team’s Nov. 23 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
