Bears left tackle Braxton Jones is returning to practice Wednesday, his first step toward returning to game action after going on injured reserve with a neck injury.

Jones has 21 days to return to game action or revert to IR. Eberflus said the Bears were hopeful he could return soon, but it’s unclear if he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

“When he feels like he’s ready and the trainers say he’s good to go, and we look at it as coaches, we’ll give him the green light,” coach Matt Eberflus said.

Jones went on IR after playing the Bears’ first two games. He missed five games, one more than what is required by the league for players who are put on the list.

Jones played every single snap last season. Larry Borom has played in his place the last five weeks.

Jones’ return would help to return the Bears’s offensive line toward the lineup coaches envisioned during training camp. The only starter in the Bears’ lineup who is in the same spot as they expected in August is first-round pick Darnell Wright. He played with an injured left shoulder Sunday.

Running back Roschon Johnson will practice Wednesday, too, after missing two games with a concussion. He still has one more hurdle to clear to be able to face the Chargers on Sunday night.