Injury Report & Implications: CHI @ GB

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INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS

Chicago Bears (5-4) at Green Bay Packers (4-5)

By

Michael Nudo

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The loss of Nick Barnett will likely force A.J. Hawk to the middle (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey).

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Quarterback Kyle Orton (ankle) is hoping to return after missing last week’s match with the Titans. Rex Grossman started against the Titans. Grossman struggled with his accuracy throughout the contest. Orton returned to practice this week and the signs are looking good for him to play. Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has missed over a month with a knee injury. He returned to full participation in practice last week and is expected to finally return to game day action.

Middle linebacker Nick Barnett was lost for the season when he blew out his knee against the Vikings last week. A.J. Hawk is likely to slide over to the middle with Brandon Chillar taking Hawk’s spot. The Packers lost the big body of end Cullen Jenkins earlier in the year, but recently got back defensive tackle Justin Harrell. Cornerback Charles Woodson (toe) is expected to play. Woodson has five interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns. Return specialist Will Blackmon is making progress from a quadriceps injury and is expected to play.

The Packers have not been able to defend the run (154.6 yards per game). They have excelled against the pass, where they have a mind-boggling 16 interceptions with 6 returned for a touchdown. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, look for the Bears to run as much as possible against Green Bay’s 28th ranked rush defense. Expect the Packers to load up the box on early downs to force the Bears into predictable passing situations, and then to sit on the short routes to add to their interception totals.

PACKERS OFFENSEcolor> vs. BEARS DEFENSEcolor>

The Packers’ offense is in relatively good health. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (shoulder) and tackle Chad Clifton (knee) have the usual assortment of aches and pains but are not expected to miss time. They’re scoring better than 26 points per game, in spite of running back Ryan Grant only averaging 3.6 yards per carry with just two touchdowns.

Cornerbacks Charles Tillman (shoulder) and Nathan Vasher (thumb) have missed time this year to injuries. Although they’ve returned to action, opposing offenses have been carving up the Bears’ secondary on short and intermediate routes. Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) should be ready to get back on the field. He was losing snaps to Nick Roach, and it will be interesting to see how playing time is divided. Nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring) was active last week but didn’t see action. His playing time should increase. Having said all that, cornerback Corey Graham has played well over the last month subbing for injured members of the secondary. He should continue to see plenty of action against the Packers’ deep receiver corps.

The Bears will need to do all they can to disrupt the timing of Rodgers and his receivers. Rodgers has had an impressive season thus far. The Bears will need to contain Rodgers, who will occasionally leave the pocket to run for a first down. The Bears have not been successful in shutting down opposing quarterbacks. Green Bay is their biggest challenge since week one (Indianapolis) in terms of quarterback and receivers.

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