David Montgomery, Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack sit out Bears practice Wednesday

LAKE FOREST – As expected, Bears running back David Montgomery was held out of practice Wednesday. Montgomery injured his knee in Sunday’s win over the Detroit Lions.

Coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday morning that Montgomery has a sprained knee and will miss “some time.” Several national media reports have indicated Montgomery could be out four or five weeks. The Bears have not given an official timeline.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (groin) and outside linebacker Khalil Mack (ribs/foot) also sat out practice Wednesday. Both suffered injuries Sunday. Hicks left the game on the first possession. Mack appeared to suffer an injury early in the game but did return to the field.

Also sitting out practice Wednesday was tight end Jesse James (personal reasons), tight end J.P. Holtz (quad) and linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (hamstring). Receiver Darnell Mooney (groin) was a limited participant.

Quarterback Andy Dalton (knee), safety Deon Bush (shoulder), safety Tashaun Gipson (hamstring), tight end Jesper Horsted (knee) and running back Damien Williams (quad) are nursing injuries but were full participants in practice.

Dalton returned to full participation but will not be the starting quarterback. Nagy announced Wednesday that rookie quarterback Justin Fields would take over starting quarterback duties moving forward.

[ Bears coach Matt Nagy confirms Justin Fields will start moving forward ]

Williams injured his quad late in the game Sunday. It’s good news for the Bears that he is a full participant in practice. With Montgomery out, the Bears likely will need Williams to take over starting running back duties. Rookie Khalil Herbert also could see more reps at running back behind Williams.