Bears Getting Healthy at Just the Right Time
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.