Chandler takes snaps, but Bears being cautious

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Posted 6:55AM on Wednesday, December 25, 2002

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - The Chicago Bears aren't about to mess with Chris Chandler's head. Two days after sustaining the fifth concussion of his career, the former Atlanta quarterback took most of the snaps at practice Tuesday. But coach Dick Jauron said he still plans to wait until later in the week to decide whether Chandler will start Sunday night's season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ``Today was a good sign,'' Jauron said. ``I'm optimistic because he practiced today, but we want to watch it very closely. We won't take any risks with it.'' Chandler was badly shaken up after being driven into the ground by Carolina defensive tackle Brentson Buckner midway through the second quarter Sunday. Chandler lay on the ground for several minutes, and was clearly dazed and disoriented when he finally got up. He staggered twice and had to be helped off the field. He wasn't able to talk clearly. ``That's serious to see someone like that,'' receiver Marcus Robinson said. But Jauron said doctors classified the concussion as a mild one, and Chandler didn't show any symptoms of it Tuesday. Teammates said he seemed to be his usual self during practice, and didn't complain of any abnormal aches or pains. ``You'd have to ask him, but he looked fine and normal to me,'' center Olin Kreutz said. Tackle Mike Gandy agreed. ``Obviously he's taken some bumps and bruises, but he's a warrior,'' Gandy said. Chandler also sustained a mild concussion last season when he was with the Falcons. He was back in the starting lineup the following week. He left the practice field without comment Tuesday. When the Bears resume practice Thursday they're off Wednesday for Christmas Jauron expects him to get the majority of work again. ``He's just sore,'' Jauron said. ``But it's not Wednesday after Sunday, it's Tuesday after Sunday.'' Still, concussions aren't something anyone in the NFL takes lightly. Several players, including Troy Aikman and Steve Young, had their careers cut short because of concussions. The more concussions a player has, the more susceptible he is to them in the future. But Gandy said the offensive line won't feel any added pressure to protect Chandler if he plays this weekend. ``We want to keep guys off of him, period,'' Gandy said. ``Our main goal is to play well and not even make it an issue.'' If Chandler can't go, backup Henry Burris will get the start. Burris replaced Chandler on Sunday in Carolina, and was 8-of-22 for 50 yards, though he struggled for much of the game. Burris has thrown only four other passes the rest of the year, completing two of them for 51 yards.