Briggs: I loved playing for Ron

Bears 12-year veteran linebacker Lance Briggs has some strong connections to the Carolina Panthers.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera was the Bears' defensive coordinator from 2004-06, and the former NFL linebacker (also with the Bears) made a strong impression on Briggs, who was drafted by the Bears in 2003.

"Ron was great," said Briggs, who made his first two (of seven) Pro Bowls (2005 and '06) under Rivera's tutelage. "I loved playing for Ron. You could tell he was a guy who played the game. The way that he explained certain plays to me made me want to make a play. "He would tell me on a specific play, 'Look, this is one of the hardest things that I'm asking you to do. It's almost impossible, but if you can do it, we shut this whole play down.' That was enough for me to say, 'You know what, I'm going to find a way to do it, to help the team.' "

Rivera led the Panthers to a 12-4 record last season and their first playoff berth since 2008. After a 2-0 start this season, the Panthers have dropped two straight by a combined score of 75-29.

Briggs was also teammates for four years with Panthers tight end Greg Olsen after the Bears drafted him in the first round in 2007. Olsen was one of Jay Cutler's favorite targets, and he has become Panthers quarterback Cam Newton's favorite receiver. But, as Briggs playfully points out, Olsen wasn't and isn't a great blocker.

"Greg was one of the top targets when he was here, and he's one of the top targets there," Briggs said. "He's fast. Greg's not the best blocker, I can tell you that right now. I think everybody in the world knows that. "He's going to grunt and stuff and try to hold you and turn you, but his forte is catching the ball and running with it."

It's understood:

For the past 3½ games, center Brian de la Puente has performed admirably in place injured Roberto Garza (ankle), and Michael Ola has done the same filling in at left guard for Matt Slauson (ankle).

But the starters will be back on the field as soon as they're cleared medically

"You play the best players," offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer said. "We're happy with the way the backup linemen went into the games and played, whether it was pass protecting in the Jets game and in San Francisco, or whether it was running the ball against Green Bay and throwing.

"The backups were successful in their role, and when the starters are ready to come back, we'll be (welcoming them back with) open arms, and everybody understands that in the room."

Health beat:

In addition to Jermon Bushrod (knee/ankle), defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (concussion), linebacker Shea McClellin (broken hand) and safety Ahmad Dixon (hamstring) did not practice Thursday.

McClellin has already been ruled out and Ratliff appears doubtful since he wasn't cleared for any work a day after a limited practice.

Linebackers Lance Briggs (knee) and D.J. Williams (neck), wide receiver Brandon Marshall (knee) and safety Chris Conte (shoulder) went through full practices. Defensive end Jared Allen (illness), center Roberto Garza (ankle), guard Matt Slauson (ankle) and cornerback Sherrick McManis (quad) were limited.

Award winner:

Cornerback Kyle Fuller was named the NFL's defensive rookie of the month for September.

Fuller is tied for the NFL lead with 3 interceptions and is tied for second in the league with 2 forced fumbles. The first-round pick (14th overall) is the only player in the past 20 years with at least 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles in the first month of the season.

Coming and going:

Guard Conor Boffeli and wide receiver Rashad Ross were signed to the practice squad, and the practice squad contract of cornerback Jordan Sullen was terminated.