WARE, England — Bears teammates often turn to Marcedes Lewis for sage advice on all matters concerning professional football — a nod to his 19 seasons and 273 games played in the NFL.
But especially this week. While most Bears are playing in their first game overseas against the Jaguars on Sunday at Tottenham Stadium, Lewis is playing in his sixth. He played in five with the Jaguars — in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017; and one with the Packers (2022). He’s 3-2 in London.
“This whole week is just about getting acclimated, and the faster you get acclimated, the faster you get into your routine, the easier it is to do your job,” the 40-year-old Lewis said. “So making sure everybody gets their sleep, not out doing nothing crazy and just trying to have carry-over. They’ve done a really good job out here making sure we have everything we need, and we’re feeling good right now.”
Lewis has one particularly fond memory of playing in London. In 2017 with the Jaguars, he caught three touchdown passes in a 44-7 victory over the Ravens.
“I remember the Friday practice going into that game, I felt like crap,” Lewis said. “And then Saturday, I felt a little bit better. And then Sunday was like a tension in my body. I didn’t feel all the way loose. But once the game got going, it was just … muscle memory.”
Lewis has an appreciation for the team-bonding element of the London trip. This one has been no different.
“They built two team lounges — they have simulated golf and pool and karaoke,” Lewis said. “Just getting to do things with each other that we normally wouldn’t do at home. You’re kind of forced into those spaces where you normally would be uncomfortable if you’re a guy who is a little bit shy or doesn’t get to hang around vets much. This is the time to do that, and I think we’ve done a good job of doing that.”
Who is the karaoke king?
“Me, Keenan [Allen] and DJ [Moore],” Lewis said. “That’s our little thing. We do that at home, too. I think me Keenan and DJ are probably going to start an R&B group or something.”
The Bears could be without two starters in their secondary against a Jaguars offense that had three plays of 50 or more yards last week against the Colts.
Safety Jaquan Brisker was ruled out earlier this week because of a concussion he suffered against the Panthers last week. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is doubtful for Sunday’s game with a calf injury he suffered in practice this week, and unlikely to play.
Elijah Hicks will start against the Jaguars in place of Brisker. Jaylon Jones would start in place of Stevenson.
Left guard Teven Jenkins (ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s game, but is making progress. He had limited participation in practice Friday after not practicing Thursday. Coach Matt Eberflus was hopeful Jenkins could start.
Defensive end Jacob Martin (toe), who returned to practice but is on injured reserve, also is questionable. Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin) and cornerback Terell Smith (hip) are out.
Hicks, a 2022 seventh-round draft pick from Cal, started eight games in his first two seasons, including six games last season when Eddie Jackson and Brisker were out. He’s going in unfazed as always.
“I just look at it like being a professional,” Hicks said. “My job is to know the playbook and step in whenever that is and rise to the occasion, and there shouldn’t be a drop-off. That’s your job.
“Our defense is playing well and I’ve got an assignment, key, technique. [I] do my job and the plays will come. … so I’m not trying to make it more than what it is.”
