Injury Report & Implications: TEN @ CHI

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INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS

Tennessee Titans (8-0) at Chicago Bears (5-3)

By

Michael Nudo

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Former Bear Jeff Fisher brings his undefeated Titans to Soldier Field on Sunday (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey).

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Rex Grossman is poised for his first start of the season after Kyle Orton sustained an ankle injury against Detroit. Orton has been making progress this week but it would be a big surprise if he plays. The height-challenged Grossman will need to find passing lanes and avoid having passes knocked down by the Titans’ interior line, which includes 6’6”defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (6 sacks). First-year starter Josh Beekman has the unenviable assignment of matching up with Haynesworth. Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has missed over a month with a knee injury. He returned to full participation in practice this week.

Linebacker Keith Bullock (chest) was injured against the Packers. Since Colin Allred (groin) is also banged up, Ryan Fowler may need to be in the mix for Bullock if he cannot play. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch’s (groin) status is also in question. Dave Ball would likely see more reps if Vanden Bosch is limited. Bullock and Vanden Bosch will be huge losses if they cannot play. Return specialist Chris Carr (shoulder) has been a big contributor (28 yards per kickoff return). The Titans will miss him badly if he cannot play.

Opposing teams have moved the ball against the Titans’ defense. The problem has been scoring. The Bears will need to execute, especially in the red zone. Tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen will be keys in run blocking situations as well as serving as a safety valve for Grossman. Turnovers have been a problem for Grossman in the past. The Titans have an opportunistic defense (plus 10 turnover ratio) that prides itself on taking away the football.

TITANS OFFENSEcolor> vs. BEARS DEFENSEcolor>

Kerry Collins took over for Vince Young at the beginning of the season and has not relinquished the job. His magic number is 3. This represents the number of touchdowns and interceptions he has thrown, as well as the number of times he has been sacked.

Safety Mike Brown left last week’s game with a calf injury. Rookie Craig Steltz replaced Brown and made a key interception at the goal line. Brown is showing progress and the Bears are hopeful for his return this Sunday. Linebacker Nick Roach started last week for Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) and held up well. Hillenmeyer returned to practice this week but might be eased back into the lineup. Nickel defender Danieal Manning returned to full practice. His health is important for depth at safety and also as a return specialist, where Devin Hester has had a disappointing season.

The Titans are the third ranked rushing team in the league (149.1). Backs Lendale White (10 touchdowns) and Chris Johnson (715 rushing yards) are sharing over 30 carries per game. They represent the biggest two-headed rushing challenge the Bears have faced since the Falcons’ Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. Look for the Titans to see what they can get against the Bears’ 6th ranked rush defense before finding out what holes remain in their 30th ranked pass defense. Expect the Bears to load up against the run and dare Kerry Collins to find former Bear wide receiver Justin Gage to beat them.

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