Bears’ Tice believes in his men despite 11 sacks in first two games

The Packers’ defense is a lot like the Saints, only better when it comes to rushing the passer, so the Bears’ injury-riddled offensive line can expect another all-out assault on quarterback Jay Cutler

“This happened to us last year,” said Cutler who was sacked 27 times in his first six games last season but “just” 25 in his final nine games. “This is nothing new. We struggled with some things, and we made some changes. That’s what this league’s about, is going out there and putting stuff on film. People are going to react to it, and we’ve got to react back. It’s just how it goes. It’s back and forth.”

Rookie offensive right tackle Gabe Carimi (knee) won’t play Sunday, and he might be out for several weeks, which leaves Frank Omiyale in his place, playing across from Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who has 23½ sacks in his first two NFL seasons.

Lance Louis, the opening-day starter at right guard, was limited at Wednesday’s practice because of the sprained ankle he suffered in Week 1. If he’s close to 100 percent, Louis will be on the field somewhere. If not, Chris Spencer would likely get another start.

“We’d like to get Lance back and in the mix,” offensive line coach Mike Tice said. “He was one of our starters in the first week because we felt like he was one of our five best linemen. We wanted him on the field. And when Lance comes back, we’ll find a place for Lance to play.”

It’s possible Louis could play somewhere other than right guard.

“You guys have been around me a year; you know I’ll consider anything,” said Tice, whose 14-year NFL playing career ended in 1995. “I actually lost 12 pounds, and I’m trying my pads on tomorrow. I don’t know if I’ve got anything in me but the national anthem, but I’m going to certainly give it a whirl.”

Tice takes Cutler’s welfare personally, and not just because it’s his group that has the greatest responsibility for protecting him.

“I played quarterback at Maryland,” said Tice, who was a two-year starter for the Terrapins (1979-80). “I’ve been hit that hard before. It doesn’t feel real good. There’s a lot of blame, and we certainly have ours in our (meeting) room. We don’t want to see him get hit like that.”

The coaching staff felt good about the eight offensive linemen who made the 53-man, and because of injuries, all eight have already played. Although the early results (11 sacks) haven’t been encouraging, Tice believes his group has the right stuff.

“When you’re playing football, the guy next to you and the guy with the ball in his hand, you don’t ever want anyone to hit him,” he said. “That’s like letting someone hit your brother, and you don’t ever want your brother to get touched. That should (tick) you off, and if it doesn’t (tick) you off, then we have the wrong guys. I think we have the right guys, and I think we’ll get it fixed.”

Injury report:

In addition to Gabe Carimi, wide receiver Earl Bennett (chest) and safety Major Wright (head) did not practice Wednesday. Carimi and Bennett won’t play Sunday, but Wright has a slim chance to be on the field.

Running back Marion Barber (calf), safety Chris Harris (hamstring), wide receiver Roy Williams (groin) and guard Lance Louis (ankle), all of whom missed the Saints game, practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. They could all be back for the Packers.

For the Packers, cornerback Charles Woodson (foot) and linebacker Clay Matthews (quadriceps) did not practice.

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