Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears helmet against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The MASH unit otherwise known as the Chicago Bears is rounding back into game shape, and it’s just in the nick of time.  The Bears were hobbled entering their last game vs the Packers, especially on defense.  They were so banged up that they suited up guys on Sunday that were less injured than guys who were inactive.   This Sunday they head out to the desert to face the Arizona Cardinals in a must win game.

According to Thursday’s official injury report, Earl Bennett (concussion), Geno Hayes (knee), Tim Jennings (shoulder), Shea McClellin (knee) and Henry Melton (chest) all worked on a limited basis.  The Bears had late additions of Brandon Marshall (hamstring) and Blake Costanzo (calf) as limited participants as well, but neither injury is expected to be serious.  Brian Urlacher and Jonathan Scott were held out of practice with sore hamstrings.  Michael Bush, who was dressed last week but deemed “down” and unable to go, went on IR earlier in the week.

If Jonathan Scott is unable to go, Gabe Carimi is expected to return to his familiar right tackle spot.

Getting some defenders back healthy couldn’t come soon enough.  The Bears defense was dangerously thin last week, so bringing back Jennings, McClellin, Hayes and Melton will help bolster the beleaguered defense.  Urlacher is not ready to come back yet, but who knows, if they can get healthy and win a couple of game… Oh, who am I kidding.

Dusty Dvoracek in action

When I rolled out of bed this morning, Dusty Dvoracek’s season was over according to Brad Biggs.

Based on his past, it cannot come as a surprise to the Bears that Dusty Dvoracek will miss the 2009 season after tearing the ACL in his right knee Saturday night against the New York Giants.

A few hours later, that didn’t seem to be the case according to the Bears official website.

Defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek sustained a sprained MCL in his right knee in Saturday night’s preseason win over the Giants and will undergo additional tests to determine if the injury is more serious.

The Bears would not confirm a newspaper report Monday indicating that Dvoracek is out for the season with a torn ACL because the results of initial tests were inconclusive.

“When I say it’s an MCL, that’s what it is,” said coach Lovie Smith. “That’s all we know right now.”

Dvoracek suffered the injury while sacking Andre Woodson late in the third quarter. The weight of both players landed on Dvoracek’s right leg as he pulled the 6-4, 230-pound quarterback down to the ground.

Who’s working miracles on Dusty’s knee?  I don’t know, but there’s a guy with the intials JC in the Bears locker room these days.   I had Dusty pegged as a having a tough time to make the final roster, but this isn’t the way to burst his roster bubble.

BEAR DOWN!!!

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The Chicago Bears had a new look at the quarterback position with Brian Griese replacing Rex Grossman. However, the more things change, the more things stay the same. Hobbled by a number of significant injuries, the Bears were banged up on both offense and defense. The end result was a heart breaking loss that, while ugly, was a game which the Bears had very much in control until the 4^th quarter.

This was a game that very easily could have gone a different way. One needs only to look back to the ridiculous number of ball charity (5 fumbles, three interceptions) to see much of the problem. And it wasn’t even the interception returned for a touchdown that hurt the most. (Go back and check that play out. Fantastic coverage played by the Detroit Lions, lining up in man coverage and sliding into a weak zone. That sort of drop will make an offensive coordinator loose his lunch) What hurt the Bears’ offense most was the missed opportunities. Throwing two interceptions inside the 10 yard line? That’s a ballgame. (more…)