"After losing several top players to injuries Sunday - including two quarterbacks - Dolphins coach Tony Sparano finally got some good news Tuesday.

No, Chad Henne won't be available for Thursday's game against Chicago and - with Chad Pennington on injured reserve - former No. 3 quarterback Tyler Thigpen will get the start.

But other important players returned to practice, including left tackle Jake Long. Despite suffering a potentially serious injury to his left shoulder Sunday against Tennessee, he should be able to start against the Bears.

Long suffered an injury to his labrum, according to ESPN, and might need surgery to repair it. He missed Monday's walk-through but lined up with the starters Tuesday and didn't wear any extra protection on his shoulder.

Long has started all 41 games since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2008.

"He was limited, but he did some work today and did a good job," Sparano said. "We just have to see where this thing is (Wednesday) and how he feels when he gets in here, and that we don't have any other issues come up."

The Dolphins also avoided disaster with another cornerstone player, outside linebacker Cam Wake, whose 8.5 sacks this year are third-best in the NFL.

Wake, who sat out most of the second half Sunday because of a hip injury, participated fully in practice the last two days and will play Thursday.

Safety Yeremiah Bell (toe injury) and right tackle Vernon Carey (knee) practiced without restriction after being limited Monday.

Details regarding Henne's left knee injury remained a mystery. Sparano said Henne "has made some progress" but provided no details, and all signs point to him sitting out Thursday.

That also could be the case for center Joe Berger (knee) and safety Chris Clemons (hamstring), who have not practiced since being injured against Tennessee.

"We can't control injuries," linebacker Channing Crowder said. "But we can jump back up and knock the hell out of somebody."

Sparano said that the short week of preparation could make it tough for the injured players to take the field Thursday night at Sun Life Stadium."