Injury Report & Implications: PHI @ CHI

[Noots]

INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS

Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) at Chicago Bears (1-2)

By

Michael Nudo

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Running back Brian Westbrook is a major question mark going into Sunday night (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek).

BEARS OFFENSEcolor> vs. EAGLES DEFENSEcolor>

The Bears are hopeful wide receiver/return specialist Devin Hester will return to action after a week two rib injury. His receiver reps went to Rashied Davis last week. Mark Bradley was released on Tuesday. His release should mean more looks for rookie Earl Bennett. Bennett can also return punts. Cornerback Nathan Vasher has assumed those duties since Hester was hurt. Leading receiver Brandon Lloyd has a hip injury that popped up on Thursday. They’ll need to be at the top of their game to face the attacking Eagle defense.

The Eagles lost defensive end Victor Abiamiri for a significant chunk of the season when he suffered a dislocated wrist during training camp. Even without him, the Eagles have registered a league-leading 13 sacks through the first three games. Juqua Parker only has 2.5 but leads the squad. What does this mean? It means the Bears can expect the Eagles to send blitzes from all over the field. This will be a huge test for the offensive line, which has new starters at both positions on the left side and a right tackle (John Tait) who played on the left side a season ago.

If there was ever a time when the Bears would look to run a power offense with two tight ends and a fullback, this would be the week. It’s not a cure-all against Philadelphia. They’ll look to counter by confusing the assignments at the edge or creating matchups there that do not favor the tight end. The going could be extremely tough for rookie Matt Forte as the Bears face fronts stacked to blitz both run and pass. On the plus side, all he has to do is make one player miss and he could go a long way. Kyle Orton will need to make quick decisions with the ball to take advantage of the best matchups.

EAGLES OFFENSEcolor> vs. BEARS DEFENSEcolor>

Running back Brian Westbrook sprained his ankle last week against Pittsburgh. He only has 205 yards from scrimmage in three games but has scored five touchdowns. If he can’t play, Correll Buckhalter will pick up the slack. Donovan McNabb has a bruised chest but is expected to play. He has come out of the blocks extremely hot, throwing for 5 touchdowns while completing 67 percent of his passes. Guard Shawn Andrews (back) will be watched closely to see if he can play. Fullback Tony Hunt is recovering from a concussion. Rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson (17-256) has led the Eagles in receptions while Kevin Curtis has been down with a hernia. Tight end L.J. Smith has a balky back. Brent Celek will see more action if Smith isn’t ready to go.

With nickel back Brandon McGowan (ankle) out for the season, Danieal Manning stepped up last week and provided a few of the rare pressures applied to Brian Griese. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) remains a huge question mark in the middle of the Bears’ defense. He has done very little to distinguish himself through the first three games. Alex Brown is recovering from a mild ankle injury and is expected to be ready for Sunday night. Nathan Vasher has been troubled by a sore shoulder but is improving.

The Bears took the run away from Tampa and forced them to pass. The Bucs obliged them. Philadelphia’s weapons are much more dangerous, and Donovan McNabb can make time for himself by moving around in the pocket much more than Brian Griese. There were clearly things the Bears were doing that became too predictable last week. The Bears will need to change things up in terms of coverage, technique and disguise.

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[GrizzlyBear]

Thanks Noots , Good report!!

[DABEARSDABOMB]

Anyone know if Brandon Lloyd is going to play?