Thu 10/2/14 6:44 PM

Bushrod (knee) was unable to practice Thursday, ESPNChicago.com's Michael C. Wright reports. After being limited in practice a day earlier, Bushrod had an unexpected downgrade in status Thursday, putting his availability for Sunday's game against the Panthers in jeopardy. Last summer's signing of Bushrod has given some peace of mind with the big left tackle protecting his blind side, and his potential absence could throw the effectiveness of the Bears' offense out of whack. If Bushrod is unable to go Sunday, the Bears would likely be down three starters on the offensive line as center Roberto Garza and left guard Matt Slauson also appear unlikely to play due to injury.