Brother vs. brother: Bears rookie Brock Vereen tries to stay focused

With New England's former starting running back Stevan Ridley on injured reserve with a torn ACL in his right knee, the chances increase that there could be some brother vs. brother contact in Sunday's Bears-Patriots game (noon, Fox).

Shane Vereen, formerly the Pats' third-down back, has seen his role increase - which means he could come face to face with younger brother Brock, who started his first game last week for the Bears at free safety.

Brock Vereen, the Bears' fourth-round pick, has filled in frequently for Chris Conte, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury that has nagged him for much of the season.

Conte returned to practice Wednesday, but there's a good chance Vereen will see some playing time this week.

"It's an exciting time for my parents and my family," the rookie said. "But from a personal standpoint, I've got to stay focused and get ready to go."

The Bears' rookie said he's never hit his brother on a football field.

"(Not) with pads on," he said. "But we're definitely looking forward to the possibility. I've got plenty of love for him. (But) on Sunday we both know we have jobs to do."

But what if he comes across the middle and little brother has a chance to take a shot at big brother?

"That's my job," Brock said. "Just like he would be looking to run me over or break my tackle. So we're very excited."

Bears coach Marc Trestman believes the importance of the game will overshadow the sibling rivalry.

"It certainly is unique," the Bears' coach said. "But I think once the game starts, they'll have silver helmets on, and we'll have blue helmets on, and that's the way it will be.

"I'm sure (Brock) will get lost in the game, but I'm sure he'll do everything he can to be at his best."

The brothers have always competed, Brock said, from backyard basketball to living room football to video games.

Any household injuries?

"Eleven broken X-Box controllers," he said.

Brock says he's glad it's a road game for the Bears, "so I don't have to buy the tickets."

Learning the ropes:

Rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo hasn't gotten much playing time behind Patriots starter and future Hall of Famer Tom Brady, but the Rolling Meadows High School and Eastern Illinois University product has impressed coach Bill Belichick.

"Jimmy's worked hard. He's a smart kid," Belichick said of the Arlington Heights native. "When he's had an opportunity to play in the preseason and one regular-season game, I thought that he played with poise and was competitive."

In the Patriots' blowout loss to the Chiefs in Week 4, Garoppolo completed 6 of 7 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown for a near-perfect passer rating of 147.9 (158.3 is the highest possible).

"(He's) got a long way to go, (but) he's got a lot of good football in front of him," Belichick said. "In the opportunities he's had, he's certainly been competitive. (He) comes to work every day; learns every day.

"I think he gets better every time he's on the field. He's improving. He's doing a good job and he's got a long way to go."

Injury report:

Tight end Martellus Bennett (hamstring), cornerback Kyle Fuller (hip/hand) and safety Danny McCray (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Linebackers Lance Briggs (ribs) and Jon Bostic (back) were limited, while safety Chris Conte (shoulder) had full participation.