The Chicago Bears continue to back kicker Cody Parkey and expect him to put aside a rough outing.
Coach Matt Nagy says Parkey is confident and "able to rebound." Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor agreed Thursday, saying he knows "what's under the hood with this kid."
The NFC North-leading Bears play host to the Vikings in a first-place showdown on Sunday night. Last week, Parkey hit the uprights four times while missing two extra points and two field goals in a 34-22 victory over Detroit.
He was lampooned by Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show," and TV news crews shot footage from helicopters when he practiced at Soldier Field on Wednesday.
NFL awards $35M for concussion studies
The NFL is awarding more than $35 million in funding to five organizations in Boston, Pittsburgh, Calgary and San Francisco conducting research into diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries.
Through its Scientific Advisory Board established as part of its "Play Smart. Play Safe" initiative, the NFL is awarding grants to investigative teams focusing on concussions and associated conditions, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Having awarded $35 million of the NFL's $40 million commitment made in 2016, the league has allocated the remaining $5 million to further medical research focused on player health and safety.
Etc.
• Chargers lineman Joey Bosa isn't sure if he will make his long-awaited season debut Sunday against the Broncos. He has practiced the past two days after missing the first 10 games because of a foot injury.
