Injury Report & Implications: Chicago at Minnesota
INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Chicago Bears (4-6) at Minnesota Vikings (9-1)
By
Michael Nudo
- Happy, healthy and productive. Surprised (AP Photo/Star Tribune, Jerry Holt)?
BEARS OFFENSE vs. VIKINGS DEFENSE
Running back Garrett Wolfe (kidney) was placed on IR late last week. Kahlil Bell was brought up from the practice squad to take his place. Bell broke off a long run on his first carry as a pro. Tight end Desmond Clark (neck) missed the game and isn’t likely again for this Sunday. They could really use him to help left tackle Orlando Pace with the assignment of Jared Allen (10.5 sacks). Right guard Roberto Garza (ankle) is banged up. He’s expected to be ready. If he has an issue in the game, Frank Omiyale might have to step in.
Cornerback Antoine Winfield has been trying to recover from a foot injury that has had him out of action for the last month. Benny Sapp has been starting in his place. The Vikings’ defense only has one weakness. They give up a lot of passing yardage (231.5) and have only picked off 7 passes.
The Bears will need to do all they can to limit the disruptiveness of Jared Allen. It will be tough to run against the Williams wall. The Bears will be passing. The Vikings will be blitzing. Count on it.
VIKINGS OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE
Right guard Anthony Herrara has a concussion. It appears likely he will not play. If that’s the case, veteran lineman Artis Hicks will take over. Former Bear Bernard Berrian’s effectiveness has been limited by a hamstring injury. He’s expected to play. Sidney Rice has emerged as a key element in the Vikings’ offense (50-875, 4 TDs). Running back Adrian Peterson has an ankle injury but should be ready to go. His backup, Chester Taylor, is capable of doing a great deal of damage as well. Remember when everyone was concerned about Brett Favre’s health and ability going into the start of the season as well as how well he could hold up for the long haul? Ten games later, he’s completing just under 70 percent of his passes and has a TD to INT ratio of 21-3.
The Bears’ defense is as healthy as it’s going to be. They’ve lost linebackers Urlacher and Tinoisamoa from the very beginning of the year. Tommie Harris (knee)has played better of late. He might get a chance to expose the injury at right guard for the Vikings. Strong safety Al Afalava is back to near full strength and he’ll be needed to put the breaks on Adrian Peterson.
There is no reason to expect the Bears’ defense to stop the Vikings in Minnesota. The Vikings are the kind of team that you cannot sell out on to stop the pass or run and dare them to beat you with the other element. They can beat you with either. Pick your poison in Adrian Peterson or Brett Favre. Although Favre can be gotten to (21 sacks), there is no reason to believe he’ll be pressured into turnovers.