Chicago Bears expect Khalil Mack and Allen Robinson to play

Two-time All-Pro pass rusher Khalil Mack and top receiver Allen Robinson look as if they're just about ready to return after missing the Chicago Bears' past two games because of injuries.

Both players practiced without limitations Thursday for the second consecutive day.

The NFC North-leading Bears hope to have them back in the lineup against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on Sunday.

Robinson says he's "100 percent" after missing victories over the struggling New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.

Mack, who suffered an ankle injury at Miami on Oct. 14 and played the following week against New England, did not make himself available to reporters.

Coach Matt Nagy says the Bears still are "taking it day by day with them."

Wally Triplett, the trailblazing running back who was one of the first African-Americans drafted by an NFL team, has died. He was 92.

Triplett was also the first African-American to start for Penn State, and in 1948, he and teammate Dennie Hoggard became the first African-Americans to play in the Cotton Bowl.

Triplett played in 18 games for the Lions from 1949-50. After serving two years during the Korean War, he returned to play for the Cardinals.

• Roc Thomas cleared waivers and was added to the Vikings practice squad. The rookie running back had been cut Wednesday when Detroit running back Ameer Abdullah was claimed off waivers. Thomas played in five games for the Vikings after making the team as an undrafted free agent from Jacksonville State. Guard Jarvis Landry was cut from the practice squad to make room for Thomas.

• Josh McCown will start at quarterback for the Jets against the Bills on Sunday in place of injured rookie Sam Darnold. Coach Todd Bowles said he has ruled out Darnold to start because of a strained right foot, but hasn't determined whether he will be inactive for the game.

• Eagles running back Darren Sproles reportedly aggravated his hamstring injury in his return to practice Wednesday, sidelining the running back for Sunday night's visit from the Cowboys.