NEWS: BEARS BITS BY VAUGHN McCLURE

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BEARS BITS BY VAUGHN McCLURE

Bears' Mike Brown heeds his injury history lesson

Leaves game to avoid more severe injury risk

By Vaughn McClure
Tribune staff reporter

9:52 PM CST, November 6, 2008


Three season-ending injuries in the previous four years taught Mike Brown the value of not overextending himself.

So when the Bears safety felt a pain in his right calf Sunday against the Lions, pushing through the injury wasn't an option.

"I learned from my past of getting injured, so I kind of shut it down before it got really, really bad," Brown said.

"I felt a twinge, and the twinge wouldn't go away. So it's just something I had to be smart about. I didn't want to risk ripping something up really, really bad."

If Thursday was any indication, Brown won't miss Sunday's game against the Titans. He returned to practice with a wrap around the calf and took a substantial load of reps. Baring a major setback, he should be back in the lineup at either strong or free safety because he and Kevin Payne are interchangeable.

"I feel like I'm going to be able to play, but sometimes it's not the player's decision," Brown said. "Some people higher on the totem pole have the final say."

No matter how the defense lines up Sunday, Brown expects improvement from the team that yielded 64 points the last two games.

"It's time for the defense to step up, man," he said. "We're tired of being the weak link. ... For us to be successful as far as getting to the playoffs and being successful in the playoffs, it's up to the defense."

Bold claim: As Lance Briggs broke down the significance of playing the league's only remaining undefeated team, he seemed a little hesitant to label the Titans the NFL's best team.

"I think that we're the best team in the league, and that's without a doubt," the linebacker said. "And when we choose to be the best team in the league, we'll be there."

For starters: Nick Roach is expected to get his second consecutive start at strong-side linebacker in place of Hunter Hillenmeyer, who continues to heal from right thumb surgery. Roach had six tackles against the Lions.

"Obviously, there's still a lot of stuff I have to work on," Roach said. "But I'm getting used to the pace and just experiencing what game-time situations are like."

Hillenmeyer had limited participation in Thursday's practice.

Extra points: Receiver Brandon Lloyd (knee) and Danieal Manning (hamstring) had full participation in practice. Manning's status is unclear, but he's working at safety rather than nickel back. ... For the Titans, linebacker Keith Bulluck (chest), defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin) and return specialist Chris Carr (shoulder) were held out of practice for the second consecutive day.

vxmcclure@tribune.com






TITANS AT BEARS NOON SUNDAY, WBBM-CH. 2

Orton likely staying out of sight Sunday

By Vaughn McClure
Tribune staff reporter

10:12 PM CST, November 6, 2008


Kyle Orton was nowhere in sight Thursday as he missed practice for the second consecutive day nursing a right ankle injury.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said Orton was "getting better" but wouldn't reveal much more information. Smith echoed offensive coordinator Ron Turner's thinking that it would be tougher on Orton the more practice time he missed.

"Practice is important," Smith said. "Every day you miss can't help you any. But that's how it goes sometimes."

The quarterback expressed optimism earlier in the week that he might be able to play Sunday against the unbeaten Tennessee Titans. But an MRI on Monday determined Orton's high ankle sprain would keep him sidelined three to four weeks, according to a source. Rex Grossman is expected to start Sunday.