Bears WR Alshon Jeffery is listed as doubtful for Sunday night's big game against the 7-1 Texans. Jeffery practiced Friday for the first time since fracturing his hand Oct. 7. (US Presswire)

For four weeks Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith has been saying wide receiver Alshon Jeffery "is getting better," but the rookie did not practice. At least it's more evident now, as Jeffery practiced Friday for the first time since suffering his hand fracture in an Oct. 7 win over Jacksonville.

Jeffery went through a limited practice and is listed doubtful for Sunday night's game with Houston. DT Matt Toeaina (calf) is the only other player unlikely to play Sunday. He did not practice Friday.

DE Israel Idonije (ankle) and DT Henry Melton (back) practiced again Friday, making it two straight days of full practice, and both are probable for the game.
 
Role alteration: Former Houston Texan CB Sherrick McManis, acquired by the Bears for FB Tyler Clutts just prior to the season, paid off last week with a blocked punt. Now he gets the chance to burn his former team -- as does Clutts.

The Bears have found on special teams, at least, they've gotten more than they thought with McManis, who was NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

"We saw him on tape and we saw that he was a good gunner and he filled a need there for us," special teams coordinator Dave Toub said. "That's really what we expected.

"Once we got him we started realizing what kind of take-off and get-off he has and we felt we could use him as a (punt) rusher."
 
Premature celebration: The Bears thought they had Devin Hester sprung for a TD last week, when he was caught after 44 yards. They're looking to do it this week against Houston's 23rd ranked punt coverage unit.

One thing's for certain: If they get close, they'll finish out the play until the whistle.

"We talked about celebrating too early," Toub said. "(LB) Geno (Hayes) had his arms up in the air before we were in the end zone. Next time, we're going to get him in the end zone and there will be a lot time to celebrate after that."
 
Bear weather: Coach Lovie Smith said he doesn't mind the forecast calling for rain, considering the Bears face a dome-playing southern team. However, the forecast doesn't really call for cold, just temperatures in the 50s or 60s.

"It's November and I'm sure Houston is expecting to play in bad weather," Smith said. "I've been watching the forecast a little bit closer than I normally do."

While the Bears think they have an advantage in bad weather over warm-weather teams, the Texans came to Chicago in arctic-like conditions during Smith's first season in 2004 and beat the Bears 24-5.

Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSBears.