D.J. Moore likely out vs. Raiders

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LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears designated starting nickel corner D.J. Moore (ankle) doubtful for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders, and although return man Devin Hester (shin) missed his second consecutive practice Friday, he's listed as probable.

"We kept [Hester] out today, [but] he should be able to go," Bears coach Lovie Smith said.

Moore, meanwhile, is likely to miss his second consecutive game with a sprained ankle. Smith said Moore is "making progress," but it could be "a little more" time before he's ready to resume his role.

"He's getting mental reps, but the physical part [is] not there yet," Smith said.

Moore originally suffered the injury prior to the team's Nov. 20 matchup against the San Diego Chargers. Five-year veteran Corey Graham filled in for Moore, and has picked off two passes in 19 snaps over the last two weeks.

In other injury news, safety Brandon Meriweather (concussion) participated fully in Friday's session and is listed as probable.

Hester's shin injury is just the latest in a variety of minor setbacks in recent weeks that haven't prevented him from performing at a high level in the team's return game. On offense, however, Hester hasn't played a major role in the last two games, and the expectation is that will continue because of the recent production from receivers Roy Williams, Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett.

Michael C. Wright covers the Bears for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.

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Michael C. Wright | email

Chicago Bears beat reporter

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Wright joined ESPNChicago in April 2010 after spending the previous four seasons covering the Jaguars. He also covered the Redskins for two seasons. A native Texan, Wright was a four-year football letterman at West Texas A&M University.