INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Chicago Bears (6-9) at Detroit Lions (2-13)
By
Michael Nudo

Drew Stanton’s status as starter for Sunday is in question (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez).

BEARS OFFENSE vs. LIONS DEFENSE

It was surprising that Devin Hester (calf) wasn’t able to go on Monday night. They’ll need him against the Lions and quite possibly to return kickoffs. Johnny Knox suffered a badly sprained ankle that will keep him out. The injury looked a lot worse than it actually was. He should be fine in time. Devin Aromashodu has stepped up while Hester has been down and really looks like a keeper. He has 17 catches for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns in the last 3 games.

The Lions’ defense is littered with injuries. The two most severe are to two of their best players. Safety Louis Delmas has a knee injury and linebacker Larry Foote has a foot injury (no puns, please). Delmas and Foote lead the Lions in tackles. Cornerback Phil Buchanon (shoulder) has been limited in practice this week.

The Lions are in last place in just about every defensive category. They’ll face a Bears offense that finally flexed its muscles last week against Minnesota. Which Bears’ offense will show up? The Bears have had their struggles on the road this year, so it will be interesting to see if they can keep their positive momentum going on the road against a division rival.

LIONS OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE

Drew Stanton (knee) stepped in at quarterback after rookie Matthew Stafford suffered a knee injury. Stanton threw 6 interceptions without a touchdown. Daunte Culpepper is expected to get the snaps this week. He has only been a little better with 1 touchdown and 5 interceptions. The Lions have been relatively healthy on offense apart from quarterback. However, that’s the one position most teams cannot afford to lose.

Mark Anderson and Israel Idonije made impact plays last week in Adewale Ogunleye’s absence. Ogunleye is done for the year. Idonije got dinged up (foot) and he’ll miss the final game as well. Gaines Adams and Jarron Gilbert have yet to take advantage of increased playing time. At cornerback, Corey Graham is expected to start for Charles Tillman, who suffered a rib injury when safety Craig Steltz’s helmet smashed into him on a tackle. Tillman and Idonije were put on Injured Reserve this week. Safety and kickoff return specialist Danieal Manning left Sunday’s game with a calf injury. Safeties Craig Steltz and Josh Bullocks started last week for Al Afalava (knee) and Kevin Payne (ankle). Payne is showing improvement, but Steltz (foot) is a concern. Hopefully Payne is ready if Steltz cannot go.

It doesn’t seem likely that the Lions will be able to present many problems for the Bears’ defense. However, there hasn’t been any level of consistent play from any unit on the squad. Detroit should be able to look at what worked for the Packers, Bengals and Cardinals and see how well they can emulate their attacks. The Bears will need to get big step up games from their substitutes in the secondary and at defensive end.

INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Minnesota Vikings (11-3) at Chicago Bears (5-9)
By
Michael Nudo

BEARS OFFENSE vs. VIKINGS DEFENSE

Wide receiver Devin Hester’s calf should be healed up enough for him to play on Monday night. His return to action will impact the rotation at wide receiver, where Devin Aromashodu had gotten the majority of Jay Cutler’s attention over the last two weeks. Orlando Pace’s groin injury allowed Chris Williams to switch from right to left tackle, and for Kevin Shaffer to start on the right side. Pace is expected to remain in a reserve role. Keep an eye on how Williams fares against top pass rusher Jared Allen, and how much help is given to him by the tight end and running backs. If Williams is going to be the future at left tackle, he’ll need to show something against Allen. Meanwhile, Shaffer’s matchup with Ray Edwards is worth checking in on as well.

Massive defensive tackle Pat Williams has an elbow injury that shouldn’t keep him out for Monday. He’ll face off again with Olin Kreutz. Williams has been openly disrespectful of Kreutz dating back to his days as a Buffalo Bill. If he is limited at all, Jimmy Kennedy will see some action. Kennedy spent a few games with the Bears in 2007. Penn State teammates Kennedy, Michael Haynes and Anthony Adams have all modeled the navy and burnt orange at one time or another.

The Vikings defense are in the top 10 in rushing yards allowed, total yards allowed, and points allowed. While many will focus correctly on Jared Allen’s 13.5 sacks, keep in mind that they have 43 for the season, and can get to the quarterback with Kevin Williams (6 sacks) and Ray Edwards (6.5 sacks). The Vikings’ pass defense has been average. If the Bears are going to have any chance, they’ll need to find matchups in the passing game they can exploit, and make sure Jay Cutler stays clean and keeps a cool head.

VIKINGS OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE

Wide receiver Percy Harvin is trying to get over a bout with migraines to return as a game-breaking receiver and return specialist. Former Bear Bernard Berrian has been a disappointment this year (50-510, 4 TDs), suffering from a lingering hamstring injury. The breakout performer for the Vikings has been Sidney Rice. Rice has 71 catches for 1144 yards and 5 touchdowns. The South Carolina product has really blossomed in his third season as a professional.

Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye was lost for the season in last week’s game with a leg fracture. It’s not saying much, but he has been the closest thing the Bears have had to a dominating pass rusher since Roosevelt Colvin. Ogunleye is a free agent after the season and may have played his last game as a Bear. His injury will allow an audition for Gaines Adams, Mark Anderson and possibly rookie Jarron Gilbert. Safeties Al Afalava (knee) and Kevin Payne (ankle) are banged up. If either cannot play, Danieal Manning is likely to return to the lineup.

How many ways are there to die? Brett Favre should have no problem exploiting the Bears’ soft coverage at the line or the gaping holes in the zones. Meanwhile, Adrian Peterson will be looking to have a dominant game down the stretch to put an exclamation point on another fine season. The Bears’ 25th ranked run defense isn’t likely to pose many obstacles. In the red zone, keep an eye out for tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and his 9 receiving touchdowns.

]]> http://www.nootsnotes.com/2009/12/24/injury-report-implications-min-chi/feed/ 0 http://www.nootsnotes.com/2009/12/11/injury-report-implications-gb-chi/ http://www.nootsnotes.com/2009/12/11/injury-report-implications-gb-chi/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:13:10 +0000 Noots http://www.nootsnotes.com/?p=136 INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Green Bay Packers (8-4) at Chicago Bears (5-7)
By
Michael Nudo

Aaron Kampman is gone for the season (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images).

BEARS OFFENSE vs. PACKERS DEFENSE

Tight end Desmond Clark has missed significant time this season due to a disk issue in his neck. Clark is a well-rounded player, and has been especially missed in some protection schemes, where Greg Olsen has failed to deter edge pass rushers and blitzes. The Bears expect him to return to action against the Packers. Chris Williams flipped to left tackle last week with Orlando Pace out (groin). Kevin Shaffer played well at right tackle in his first start of the season. If Pace is ready to go, the decisions to be made will be interesting. Should Williams remain at the position for which he was drafted? Is Shaffer the Bears’ best run-blocking tackle? If so, can they afford to sit him? Wide receiver Devin Hester left last week’s game with a calf injury. The Bears are hopeful he can return, but he has had a hard time getting back to practice.

The Packers placed pass rushing linebacker Aaron Kampman on Injured Reserve this week (knee). Brad Jones, who has started 3 of the last 4 games on the outside, registered a sack against the Ravens on Monday. Veteran cornerback Al Harris was lost for the season due to a knee injury prior to Thanksgiving. Tramon Williams has been starting for him. Nose tackle Ryan Pickett is nursing a hamstring. If he is limited or cannot play, it will mean more opportunities for rookie B.J. Raji. Raji, Johnny Jolly (knee) and Cullen Jenkins (hamstring) are all a bit dinged. Linebacker Nick Barnett continues to get extra rest for his knee issues. He’s expected to play.

The Packers have the league’s top ranked defense in terms of yardage and are in the top 5 against both the run and pass. The player to keep an eye on is rookie Clay Matthews, who has 4 sacks in the last 4 games. The Bears have been trying to run the ball with more frequency to stay away from costly turnovers. Green Bay has 21 interceptions, bolstered by their 4 thefts against Jay Cutler in week one. Look for the Bears to play it closer to the vest on Sunday at Soldier Field, as well as setting up play action to work against Tramon Williams.

PACKERS OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE

Left tackle Chad Clifton (hamstring) was able to return to the starting lineup on Monday. T.J. Lang, who has played for Clifton at times this year, is recovering from a concussion. Tight end Jermichael Finley is nursing a sore knee. He and Donald Lee have combined for 65 catches, 645 yards and 4 Tds. Mark Tauscher is back at right tackle, where he’ll give Adewale Ogunleye a better challenge than Allen Barbre did in week one.

Weak side linebacker Lance Briggs (knee/hip) is expected to return to the starting lineup on Sunday. Jamar Williams excelled in his place last week (20 tackles, 2 PDs) and may see some action against Green Bay in a different position. Middle linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer has been slowed by a groin injury but is expected to be ready for action. Williams might spell Hillenmeyer given his injury. Israel Idonije and Tommie Harris missed some practice due to knee problems but should be fully ready to go for Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers has been sacked 45 times, but has only thrown 7 interceptions and has still managed to complete over 65 percent of his passes. Those numbers are outstanding considering the pressure he has faced. For the Bears to win, they’ll need to get pressure from their front 4 alone, and then slow down the Packers’ wideouts with jams and tight coverage—thus giving the rush the time to work. If the Bears continue to play soft coverage on Jennings and Driver, it will be yet another long afternoon.

INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS

St. Louis Rams (1-10) at Chicago Bears (4-7)
By
Michael Nudo

Steven Jackson has held off back spasms to stay atop the NFC rushing race (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images).

BEARS OFFENSE vs. RAMS DEFENSE

Left tackle Orlando Pace is injured (groin). He has been largely a disappointment. A line shakeup is in order with Chris Williams moved from right to left tackle, and Kevin Shaffer installed on the right side. It will be interesting to see Williams finally playing the position for which he was drafted. Shaffer is also better on the right side. His run blocking could be an ingredient the Bears were sorely missing.

Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis has a sore shoulder but should be ready to go. The Rams have lost quite a few defensive tackles for the season to injury in C.J. Ah You, Adam Carriker and Gary Gibson. This would explain their poor run defense, which is ranked 28th in the league (148.5 yards per game).

The Rams are 1-10 for a reason. Their defense is 30th overall. The Bears need to get better on offense. The Rams should be a good medicine to cure their current offensive ills. Look for the Bears to be a little more patient against the Rams. This might be one of those rare times when the attack is balanced.

RAMS OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE

The Rams’ offense is battered. On the line, center Jason Brown injured his knee in last week’s game. Mark Setterstrom played center for him, while John Greco stepped in at guard. Tackle Jason Smith is recovering from a concussion, while guard Richie Incognito has a foot injury. Running back Steven Jackson played last week in spite of painful back spasms and is expected to be ready in spite of his balky back again this week. Quarterback Marc Bulger is will miss at least a few more games with a shin injury. Kyle Boller will start on Sunday. Wide receivers Laurent Robinson, Keenan Burton and Brooks Foster are already on IR.

Weak side linebacker Lance Briggs suffered injuries to his hip and knee in Sunday’s loss to Minnesota. Jamar Williams will play if Briggs isn’t ready. The Bears added depth by signing Cato June to a one-year deal on Tuesday. This paved the way for Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) to finally be placed on IR. Cornerback Charles Tillman suffered a mild concussion last week and returned to full practice on Thursday. If he is not cleared for action, Nathan Vasher is expected to step in.

The Rams are also ranked 30th on offense. This would be a good time for the defense to wake up. Adewale Ogunleye hasn’t produced many sacks over the last month. This should be a big matchup game for him and Tommie Harris against an offensive line that is in a shambles. Look for the Rams to test the Bears’ run defense behind the NFC’s leading rusher—Steven Jackson.

INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Chicago Bears (4-6) at Minnesota Vikings (9-1)
By
Michael Nudo

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.

INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) at Chicago Bears (4-5)
By
Michael Nudo

The Eagles will miss Brian Westbrook on Sunday night (AP Photo/Chris Park).

BEARS OFFENSE vs. EAGLES DEFENSE

With reserve running back Garrett Wolfe (kidney) sidelined, Matt Forte is likely to get few breathers from backup Adrian Peterson. Left tackle Orlando Pace is expected to play after getting knocked out of last week’s game. If things change, Kevin Schaffer will get the nod. Tight end Desmond Clark (neck) having a difficult time making improvement. He’s a tough player and rarely misses action. Center Olin Kreutz (back) missed some practice time but is expected to play. If he has to come out, left guard Josh Beekman will slide over to center, with Frank Omiyale returning to guard.

Linebacker Moise Fokou has been starting at strong side linebacker since Akeem Jordan (knee) has been out. The Eagles have already lost linebackers Stewart Bradley and Omar Gaither for the season to injury. Cornerback Sheldon Brown (hamstring) is making progress and might be ready to go. Injuries to safeties Quintin Demps (ankle) and Macho Harris (eye) further thin out the Eagles’ secondary.

Look for the Eagles to use their pressuring defense to take attention away from their injured secondary. They’ll want to force Jay Cutler into hurried throws and costly mistakes. Jay Cutler has struggled in night games, but is playing at home. Defensive end Trent Cole bears watching in his matchup with Orlando Pace.

EAGLES OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE

Running back Brian Westbrook is a key element of the Eagles’ offense. He suffered another concussion last week and isn’t expected to play. His season and career may be in jeopardy. Rookie LeSean McCoy stands to get plenty of looks the rest of the way. He’s the kind of shifty runner that could cause problems for the Bears if they have breakdowns in their discipline. Todd Herremans has been playing left tackle while Jason Peters has been out with an ankle injury. Peters is expected to be ready for Sunday night. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee) is out. Rookie Jeremy Maclin has 18 catches for 220 yards and 2 TDs over the last 4 games.

The Bears are hoping to get strong safety Al Afalava (shoulder) back into the lineup. Backup Kevin Payne (back), however, is not making progress. Cornerback Zack Bowman left last week’s game with an abdominal injury but is expected to return. The skeleton crew is already in at linebacker, where Hillenmeyer and Roach are in with Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa out for the season.

Which Bears’ defense will show up on Sunday night? Will it be the team that held the Niners well in check or will it be the defense that was roasted by the Cardinals and Bengals? Look for the Eagles to throw, throw and throw some more. Don’t sleep on DeSean Jackson. The diminutive wideout is a game breaker on offense as well as special teams. Holding him in check should be a major focus for Sunday night.

INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Chicago Bears (4-4) at San Francisco 49ers (3-5)
By
Michael Nudo

BEARS OFFENSE vs. 49ers DEFENSE

Backup running back and special teams ace Garrett Wolfe suffered a lacerated kidney in last week’s loss to Arizona. He could miss a month of action. More of the backup load will fall to Adrian Peterson, who has played in each of the last two games after missing some time with a knee injury suffered before the bye. Tight end Desmond Clark has a neck injury that isn’t believed to be severe. He has faded into the background since he suffered an injury earlier in the season. Greg Olsen’s three touchdown performance last week was one of the few bright spots on a terrible afternoon.

Cornerback Nate Clements (shoulder) isn’t expected to be ready for this week. Tarrell Brown will likely get the start in Clements’ absence. Strong safety Michael Lewis (quadriceps) isn’t expected to miss any time. Veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes is recovering from a shoulder injury. He had a quiet game against the Titans last week.

The Niners have the 4th best run defense (93.2) in the NFL. They’re keeping the yards per carry average of their opponents down as well (3.4). They’ve struggled to prevent teams from passing on them, and the loss of Clements isn’t going to help their situation. Look for the Bears to continue doing the one thing they’ve done well—throw.

49ers OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE

The Niners are decimated at offensive tackle. Right tackle Tony Pashos was lost for the season with a broken shoulder blade. Left tackle Joe Staley is expected to be out for a while with a knee injury. Barry Sims and Adam Snyder will be starting at tackle. The Niners have allowed 8 sacks over the last two weeks. Veteran wide receiver Isaac Bruce has an ankle injury that may limit him Thursday.

The Bears’ secondary is beat up. Strong safety Al Afalava and cornerback Charles Tillman suffered shoulder injuries last week. Tillman is not expected to miss any time. Afalava may miss, and his backup, Kevin Payne (back) is also hurt. Craig Steltz and Josh Bullocks will need to step up if called upon. The Bears are already playing two backups at linebacker in Hillenmeyer and Roach with Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa out for the season.

After having looked at the tape of what happened against the Bengals and Cardinals, and considering the state of their line, it would be shocking to not see Frank Gore get 20 or more carries. Expect the Niners to use play action to work Vernon Davis against the Bears’ backup linebackers. Rookie Michael Crabtree is becoming more of a factor in their offense. If the Bears can get out to a rare early lead, they can force the Niners to throw. This would allow ends Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye to get after Alex Smith. The only way to get out to a lead is if this defense can stop someone.

INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Cleveland Browns (1-6) at Chicago Bears (3-3)
By
Michael Nudo

Derek Anderson starts at quarterback for the Browns (AP Photo/Tony Dejak).

BEARS OFFENSE vs. BROWNS DEFENSE

Adrian Peterson returned to practice this week. The Bears are eager to see him return to special teams and as a backup running back to Matt Forte. Although left guard Frank Omiyale is not on the injury report, his status as a starter is up in the air due to ineffectiveness. Last year’s starter, Josh Beekman, has been getting reps with the first string and it appears he’ll get the starting nod.

Team captain D’Qwell Jackson was lost for the season to a shoulder injury two weeks ago. The inside linebacker was their leading tackler. Kaluka Maiava started last week and had 5 tackles. The Browns’ front line should be ready to go despite minor aches, pains and illnesses. Kenyon Coleman (groin), Shaun Rogers (illness) and Robaire Smith (calf) were all able to play last week. Rogers, the former Lion, will renew acquaintances with Bears’ center Olin Kreutz. Starting cornerbacks Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald are recovering from moderate shoulder injuries.

The Browns are last in the league in total yards allowed and next to last in rushing yards allowed. If the Bears cannot establish their ground game and right their offensive ship, it’s going to be a long rest of the season. It’s no slam dunk. Cleveland runs the 3-4 alignment that the Bears have had difficulty running against in the early part of this season. Keep an eye on the return of Josh Beekman. His mobility and ability to block in space was sorely missed. Against the 3-4, he should be able to get out and lead the way for Matt Forte off tackle and around end.

BROWNS OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE

Tight end Michael Gaines was signed by the Browns before last week’s game and had two catches. Cleveland has been dinged up at the position and needed depth help. Robert Royal (illness) and Steve Heiden (knee) could not play last week, forcing tackle Hank Fraley to start. Heiden and Royal are making progress but it might still be another week before either is effective. The Browns had high hopes for backup running back James Davis (shoulder), but he got injured in the preseason and then again at the start of the year. He’s out for the balance of this season.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) was held out of last week’s game against the Bengals. In spite of being given Wednesdays off throughout the season, he has been ineffective every Sunday, averaging less than two tackles per game and rarely getting off the ball with any burst. Harris felt well enough to play against the Bengals, but Bears coaches deemed it time to make a change to his practice routine. This week marked his first participation in a Wednesday practice in distant memory. Marcus Harrison Started for Harris last week and had 7 tackles. There is a chance he might slide over to replace Anthony Adams. Backup Matt Toeaina has a calf injury that’s expected to keep him out. With linebackers Brian Urlacher (wrist) and Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) out for the season, the duties fall to Nick Roach and Hunter Hillenmeyer. Both players struggled to defend run and pass last week against the Bengals. Hillenmeyer is expected to return to the middle, moving Roach back to the strong side. Linebacker Lance Briggs shows up on the report this week with a minor shoulder injury. Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye injured his ankle last week against the Bengals. Newly acquired Gaines Adams will see more time if Ogunleye is limited. The matchup there will be against former Bear John St. Clair.

Quarterback Derek Anderson has been given a vote of confidence in spite of glaringly bad numbers over the last three weeks (23-70-244, TD, 3 INT). That’s a completion percentage of 33 percent and an average of 3.5 yards per attempt. The poor souls who have been watching the Browns realize that it hasn’t all been on Anderson. Even after trading away Braylon Edwards, the Browns have continued to drop passes at an alarming rate. Meanwhile, the Bears’ pass defense looked like a walk-through against the Bengals last week. Something’s gotta give.

The Bengals will miss pass rusher Antwan Odom (AP Photo/David Kohl).

Other than running back depth, the Bears’ offense is in good health. The Bears were hoping to get backup running back Adrian Peterson back on the field this week. Peterson not only is good at picking up short yardage but is a four-phase special teams standout. He was sorely missed on special teams against the Falcons. However, based on practice, his return seems less than likely for this week’s contest. Garrett Wolfe is expected to spell Matt Forte as his backup. Wolfe can cause fits for the defense if he gets free in space.

The Bengals lost their best pass rushing threat last week when defensive end Antwan Odom (8 sacks) suffered a season-ending Achilles’ tendon injury. Jonathan Fanene is expected to take his place at end. Rookie Michael Johnson will get more looks as well. Safety Roy Williams is recovering from a forearm injury that kept him out against the Texans. Chinedum Ndukwe will start if Williams cannot play. Ndukwe has 24 tackles in the last three games. Defensive tackle Domata Peko injured his knee last week. He’s a key to the Bengal run defense. Pat Sims will see more time on the field while Peko gets back to full strength. He collected a sack against Houston. Former Bear Tank Johnson is getting closer to full strength after a foot injury limited his play prior to last week.

Despite their mantra of “we get off the bus running,” look for the Bears to continue throwing about twice as much as they run. The Bengals will sorely miss the pass rush of Odom from a defense that already ranks 28th against the pass (254.8 yards per game).

What a difference a year makes. At this time last year, Matt Forte was lighting up the league for the Bears, and Cedric Benson was desperately looking for one more opportunity. Since getting the starting job late last season, Cedric Benson has become the runner the Bears hoped he would be when they used a high first round draft pick on him. Benson is second in rushing in the AFC. Speaking of first-rounders, tackle Andre Johnson (broken foot before the opener) returned to practice this week.

Strong side linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa made his return last week after injuring his knee in the season opener. Unfortunately, he reinjured that knee against the Falcons and has been lost for the season. When middle linebacker Brian Urlacher was lost for the season in the opener, Hunter Hillenmeyer took over. He has missed the last few games with a rib injury. He’s expected to return to action for the Bengals game. Meanwhile, Nick Roach has impressed and is likely to retain the duties in the middle. Hillenmeyer and Jamar Williams will see action on the strong side, where Hillenmeyer was a regular starter for the Bears in recent years. All-purpose defensive lineman Israel Idonije underwent minor knee surgery during the bye week and should be ready for action Sunday. Defensive tackle Anthony Adams has been bothered by a toe injury. Tommie Harris, who usually gets a day off during the week to rest a bad knee, didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday. If he and Adams are limited, Marcus Harrison will see additional reps and either Matt Toeaina or Jarron Gilbert will be active.

The Bengals like to keep an even balance of run and pass with Carson Palmer looking to Chad Ochocinco for the big plays, and Cedric Benson (127/531, 4 TDs) to run the rock. After being frustrated by the quick passes of the Falcons, the Bears’ front four should have a better time getting to Palmer. Newly acquired defensive end Gaines Adams figures to get into the mix for his first reps as a Bear. Keep an eye out for the Bears blitzing their safeties and linebackers, since the Bengals rarely look to their tight ends.

INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Chicago Bears (3-1) at Atlanta Falcons (3-1)
By
Michael Nudo

Matt Ryan has only been sacked twice this year (AP Photo/Ben Margot).

BEARS OFFENSE vs. FALCONS DEFENSE

Wide receiver Devin Hester was back at practice after a minor injury to his neck/shoulder area in the Lions game. He’s expected to be fully ready for Sunday night in Atlanta. Reserve running back Adrian Peterson (knee) is expected to miss a few weeks after suffering an injury on special teams against the Lions. Peterson’s injury affects all phases of special teams and leaves the Bears with only Garrett Wolfe behind Matt Forte. Kevin Jones (ankle) was lost for the year during the preseason. Peterson will miss the opportunity to play against his older brother Mike, who starts at outside linebacker for the Falcons and is second on the team in tackles.

Reserve safety Antoine Harris (knee) is still trying to get back on the field. Top draft pick Peria Jerry was recently put on injured reserve (knee). Thomas Johnson has been manning the nose tackle position since then. The Bears should also keep an eye out for Kroy Biermann. He is used similar to how the Bears use Mark Anderson—at both end and tackle. He has matched John Abraham with 3 sacks. He actually got the start at left end against San Francisco ahead of the disappointing Jamaal Anderson. The matchups between Abraham and Orlando Pace and then Biermann and Chris Williams will be telling.

The Falcons’ defense is in the bottom third of the league in yards allowed against both the pass and run. However, they’re only surrendering 15.8 points per game (5th overall). Sounds like a bend but don’t break team. In their loss to the Patriots, it was New England’s dedication to the run (39 carries) and dominating time of possession that won the day. Look for the Bears to continue what they started two weeks ago in getting Matt Forte back on track.

FALCONS OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE

Jerious Norwood returned last week after being limited with a concussion through the first part of the season. Norwood possesses rare, heart-breaking speed as a change of pace back and return specialist. He has been fitted with a special helmet for protection. Fullback Ovie Mughelli is a key element to Atlanta’s rushing attack. He injured his calf against San Francisco and will be replaced by Jason Snelling if he cannot play. The Falcons’ line is healthy and is clearly one of the more underrated units in all of football. They won the war in the trenches last week with San Francisco.

Strong side linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa is expected to return to action after getting injured in the first game of the season. Nick Roach has done well in the middle since Hunter Hillenmeyer injured a rib a few weeks ago. Roach has likely won the position in the middle from Hillenmeyer. Hillenmeyer looks like he might need another week before he can return. Keep in mind that Brian Urlacher (hand) is on injured reserve. All-purpose defensive lineman Israel Idonije underwent minor knee surgery during the off week and is expected to be back on the field soon. His absence would mean rookie Jarron Gilbert and Mark Anderson will see increased reps. Idonije felt good enough to return to practice on a limited basis this week. Defensive tackle Anthony Adams has a nagging toe injury that may limit his effectiveness.

The Falcons have only allowed 2 sacks this year. If the Bears are going to continue blitzing heavily, they’ll need to do a much better job of playing tight coverage on the Falcons receivers, who include Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez. In a close game, it could come down to a missed assignment where White breaks a tackle or gets open deep against a busted coverage. There is little margin for error when you play a team with this many weapons. Watch for Norwood on the draws and screens on third down. He’s not a decoy. There have to be plenty of members of this Bears team that remember last year’s fourth quarter defensive collapse that cost them a win and a playoff berth. Is that motivation enough?