Bears Won’t Play McMahon Against Cowboys Sunday

Chicago quarterback Jim McMahon will not play Sunday against Dallas, Coach Mike Ditka said Friday. Instead, Steve Fuller will start and Mike Tomczak will be his backup.

McMahon did not practice again Friday because of a right shoulder injury. He has done little throwing for two weeks since aggravating a previous injury in a Nov. 3 game against the Green Bay Packers.

Chicago trainer Fred Caito said McMahon’s arm had not improved despite the rest period, and the team had not determined how to treat the injury.

Team physician Clarence Fossier has declared that McMahon’s injury is a sprain of the shoulder joint. McMahon did not play last Sunday against Detroit.