Injuries make tough stretch ahead even tougher for Chicago Bears

Saddled with a 2-5 record and with three of their next four games against teams with winning records, Chicago Bears coach John Fox knows the only help he can expect will come from inside Halas Hall.

Unfortunately for Fox and his staff, there is only so much that can be accomplished with the current personnel, and a rash of injuries have taken a bite out of that modest amount of talent.

Only three offensive players and five defensive players have started every game at the same position.

One of them, running back Matt Forte, probably would be listed as "doubtful" or "out" for Monday night's game against the Chargers in San Diego, if the Bears were obligated to categorize injured players this soon.

Wide receiver Eddie Royal, who already has missed one game with an ankle injury, also appears doubtful at best. Like Forte, Royal was unable to finish Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings because of a knee injury.

A concussion knocked nickel cornerback Bryce Callahan out of Sunday's game.

Ordinarily the loss of an undrafted rookie wouldn't be devastating, but anyone who witnessed the implosion of the Bears' secondary in the final five minutes Sunday knows differently.

"They're still in evaluation, both 'knee' guys, Eddie and Matt," Fox said. "And Bryce Callahan will be in the concussion protocol moving forward. We'll update when we reconvene later in the week.

"I think the feeling right now is - not exact because we're not done with it - (but) I don't see it being season-ending on either one or even whether there needs to be (any) surgically repaired stuff moving forward."

Players were off Monday and will also be idle Wednesday, giving them an extra day to rest, heal and prepare for the Chargers.

Three of the Bears' next four games are on the road, starting with back-to-back trips. After facing the 2-6 Chargers, Fox's crew goes to St. Louis to meet the 4-3 Rams.

Then it gets worse - at home against the 7-0 Broncos and at Green Bay on Thanksgiving night against the 6-1 Packers.

Better health going forward would be a welcome change, especially on both lines, where injuries and the release of defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff have wreaked havoc with continuity.

Right tackle Kyle Long is the only member of the offensive line who has started every game in the same spot. Left end Jarvis Jenkins has been the only constant on the D-line.

"You get new people, you're training (new) players at positions, whether it's been acquisitions off people's practice squads or bringing in new people," Fox said. "Regardless of the position, there's a trickle-down effect whether it's on offense or defense or special teams.

"It makes it a little more challenging. But nobody rescues you. You just make do with what you have."

Fox is well aware injuries and shuffling players come with the territory, so he isn't wasting any time feeling sorry for himself.

"We're not beating them up at practice. I just think (injuries) are part of the game," Fox said. "If you look around the National Football League, it's historically been that way, and I don't think much has changed this year."

Only the names on the Bears' lineup card have changed. In just seven games, 38 different players have started at least once, 18 on offense and 20 on defense.

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