Noots Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS Chicago Bears (2-2) at Detroit Lions (0-3) By Michael Nudo The Bears are likely going to be missing leading receiver Brandon Lloyd (AP Photo/Nam Y.Huh). BEARS OFFENSEcolor> vs. LIONS DEFENSEcolor> The Bears were pleased wide receiver/return specialist Devin Hester (rib) returned to action last week. He arrived in the nick of time, as leading receiver Brandon Lloyd left the game with a knee injury. Lloyd’s injury didn’t look season ending. He didn’t seem to suffer a stability related injury. It looked more like his knee hit the turf pretty hard. Marty Booker (knee) is also banged up. The Bears brought back receiver Mike Hass to the practice squad on Tuesday. Hester and Rashied Davis will be relied on heavily. Rookie left tackle Chris Williams is back in pads for the third week since back surgery in training camp. Detroit is coming off the bye week, so they have had an opportunity to lick any early wounds. Cornerback Travis Fisher (groin) is the only player who might be slowed down by injury. The Lions’ defense only has 3 sacks through 3 games. Right defensive end DeWayne White, who will match up with John St. Clair, has 2 of them. Matt Forte has seen his rushing yardage and yards per carry fall each week since the opening game against the Colts. The Lions are dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (207.7) and yards per carry (5.6). It stands to reason the Bears will get back to pounding the ball against the Lions. This would be a great time to give former Lion Kevin Jones a good number of complementary carries as well. LIONS OFFENSEcolor> vs. BEARS DEFENSEcolor> Apart from firing GM and President Matt Millen during the bye week break, the Lions also named former Bengal Rudi Johnson the starting running back. Rookie Kevin Smith is likely to see plenty of action as well. Michael Gaines starts at tight end since Dan Campbell was placed on injured reserve after an injury in the first week of the season. Right tackle George Foster is trying to get his knee ready but is also in the process of losing his starting position to rookie Gosder Cherilus. Cherilus started for the injured Foster against the 49ers in week three. Right guard Stephen Peterman is recovering from a hand injury. Manny Ramirez is the backup (not the one who is hitting homers for the Dodgers). With Jim Colletto taking over the Offensive Coordinator position from Mike Martz, the Lions are much more run to pass balanced. In spite of this, Jon Kitna still hasn’t found a way to remain upright (12 sacks in 3 games). Wide receiver Roy Williams (knee) showed up on the injury report on Thursday. Tommie Harris (knee) was held out of last week’s game. It was finally determined the team is better without him if he is hurt. On Thursday it was announced that he would be suspended for this week’s game for breaking an unspecified team rule. The Bears have great depth at defensive tackle. Anthony Adams, Dusty Dvoracek, Israel Idonije and rookie Marcus Harrison combine to provide a strong inside presence for the defensive line. Cornerbacks Charles Tillman (shoulder) and Nathan Vasher (thumb/wrist) were also shaken up last week. Vasher had surgery earlier this week and is expected to miss the contest. The Bears are more hopeful for Tillman’s return. However, his likelihood to play is very much in doubt. Corey Graham and Trumaine McBride are the reserves. McBride was pressed into a starting role last season and was a pleasant surprise. Graham has passed him by on the depth chart in the off season. The Bears might need both of them on Sunday. The Bears should know better than to take lightly a Detroit Lions team that beat them twice last season. They were victimized by offensive turnovers and catastrophic defensive meltdowns in their losses. They’ll need to establish an early lead, force turnovers and keep the Lions in predictable down and distance situations. To do this, they must put pressure on Kitna. If it can’t get done with the line alone, they’ll need to blitz. Given Detroit’s situation at tight end, the old standard of the cover 2 is a good fit. It will be interesting to see what wrinkles they employ from that base as long time friends Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli match wits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connorbear Posted October 3, 2008 Report Share Posted October 3, 2008 Thanks for posting. I did not realize Vasher had surgery. I wonder how long he will be out. I have been happy with Graham's play so I am glad he will get the reps. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted October 3, 2008 Report Share Posted October 3, 2008 Nor did I...thankfully the youngsters look up to the challenge. Thanks for posting. I did not realize Vasher had surgery. I wonder how long he will be out. I have been happy with Graham's play so I am glad he will get the reps. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.