Marc Trestman "optimistic" over Lance Briggs return

Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman has admitted that he is "optimistic" linebacker Lance Briggs will be fit enough to return to action in week 16.

The 33-year-old has been out with a shoulder injury since week seven of the season when he sustained the ailment in his side's loss to the Washington Redskins.

"I'd be much more optimistic that that could happen," Trestman told the Chicago Tribune.

"He got more work today, and we'll see how he is the first of the week, but it raises our optimism, certainly."

The Bears are 7-6 in their season going into week 15.