Banged up Bears have long injury report

Eight players are questionable on this week's injury report, and all of them have started at least two games.

Running back Matt Forte (knee), wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (groin), cornerback Tracy Porter (hip), safety Antrel Rolle (ankle), inside linebacker Shea McClellin (knee), center Hroniss Grasu (neck) and offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod (shoulder) are all questionable after limited practices on Friday.

Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee) is also questionable but did not practice all week. Wide receiver Eddie Royal (knee) did not practice and is out. Defensive lineman Mitch Unrein (ill) is probable after a full practice.

Although Forte said he was able to run at Friday's practice and Fox said Jeffery had "a good practice," they seem more doubtful than questionable.

McPhee's knee injury has been a chronic annoyance that he's battled for several weeks without missing a game. But it bothered him enough Monday night that he took himself out with the game on the line late in the fourth quarter.

"It's the same deal every week," Fox said. "As I've mentioned many times, these guys aren't 100 percent. It's a physical game. There are a lot of guys who are mentally tough people, and they kind of weather it." Minus McPhee the Bears would be without their sack leader (5), who also leads the team with 15 quarterback pressures.

"He does generate pressure on the quarterback," Fox said. "Obviously we're hopeful that he's able to play. If he doesn't, someone else has to pick up that slack."

Willie Young saw his most extensive action of the season Monday night, playing 47 of 70 snaps. Lamarr Houston filled in late when McPhee (59 snaps) went out late, and his second and third sacks of the season helped end the Chargers' final possession.

Opportunity knocks:

With Matt Forte out Monday night with a sprained MCL in his right knee, Ka'Deem Carey got his first 7 carries of the season in the 22-19 victory and contributed 28 yards.

He ran well enough to get more work Sunday against the Rams, behind rookie Jeremy Langford, if Forte doesn't play.

"From what we saw in preseason and what we see in practice every day, we knew we were going to get 100 miles per hour," offensive coordinator Adam Gase said of Carey. "He was going to run the ball as hard as he could, and he gave us everything he had. It's just he hasn't had an opportunity. He got one and made the most of it."

Langford carries 18 times for 72 yards. His effective running was what Gase expected, but his pass protection was a pleasant surprise.

"You don't get to see it as much in college," Gase said. "His willingness to go in there and stick his face into the fire has been impressive. Just his overall game I've been very impressed with."

Learning lessons:

Defensive lineman Ego Ferguson's four-game suspension, without pay, for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances Thursday came just two days after offensive lineman Tayo Fabuluje's similar suspension.

"There's an education process there," coach John Fox said. "They're very well educated. They understand. They've been preached to. They're responsible for anything they put in their body."

Fabuluje, this year's sixth-round pick, issued a statement that said he tested positive for an amphetamine that was contained in an over-the-counter supplement he purchased. The rookie has been inactive for four games and played briefly in the other four.

Ferguson, last year's second-round draft pick, played in four of the first five games, including one start but has been on injured reserve (knee) since Oct. 17.

"Our opponent this weekend (the Rams) has had two also, so I think it's pretty common around the league every year," Fox said. "This year no different."

The other guys:

For the Rams, defensive end Chris Long (knee) is doubtful after a limited practice Friday.

Three other starters are questionable after limited practices: Defensive end Robert Quinn (knee), offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) and safety T.J. McDonald (foot).

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