Bears TE Miller stepping up in Bennett's absence

Tight end Zach Miller has already started more games this year than in his previous five NFL seasons, but his workload will increase even more with Martellus Bennett on injured reserve with a fractured rib.

Miller is dealing with his own rib injury and is questionable this week but expected to play. Although Bennett was first on the depth chart, Miller started 11 games when the Bears opened with multiple tight ends, an alignment they've used frequently. He had just five starts in his previous injury-plagued five seasons.

"It's unfortunate to lose him this time of year," Miller said of Bennett. "We're good though. It's been that way the whole year. You've got to fight through it, the next-man-up type of thing."

Undrafted rookie Khari Lee, primarily a blocker, has also started five games this year, and early this week the Bears signed veteran free agent Rob Housler for depth.

Bennett leads the Bears with 53 receptions and was also a physical presence as a run blocker and pass protector. Every team, including the Bears, wants an all-around tight end like Bennett, but they're scarce.

"We look for a guy that can do it all," offensive coordinator Adam Gase said. "Being able to run block, pass protect and be an effective pass catcher. I think (Miller) has all three of those traits. We'll just see how it goes and how we're going to use him, what our game plan is going to be this week. It's going to be determined a little bit how (Washington) attack(s) us."

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Miller is a more gifted pass catcher than the 6-foot-6, 273-pound Bennett. He's averaging 14.3 yards, third best on the team, on his 16 catches, and his 4 receiving touchdowns have doubled his career total and are a team high. But Miller has nowhere near the physical presence of Bennett.

"That's definitely tough," quarterback Jay Cutler said of Bennett's absence. "Run game, pass game, he had a lot of value to this team in both areas. Unbelievable blocker at the point of attack. We ran to his side a lot.

"In the passing game, he was a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties. The next guys just have to step up. Zach and Khari, they're ready to go."

Knack for the sack:

After getting just 1 sack in the first nine games, Willie Young has 3½ in the last three games, with at least 1 in each game and 1½ last week against 49ers Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley.

"I think his production moved steadily up," coach John Fox said. "I think when guys are more comfortable, they're not thinking, they're reacting. They're allowed to play fast, and this game is about playing fast."

Lamarr Houston had 1 sack in the first seven games, but 4 in the last five games.

Both players suffered season-ending injuries last year and were moved from defensive end to outside linebacker this year in the new 3-4 scheme.

"They both, no question, have improved," Fox said. "You gain confidence when good things happen and, when you can create good things for your side, that breeds confidence."

Both players have gotten increased playing time in recent weeks as Pernell McPhee's knee injury has curtailed his snaps.

Injury report:

Wide receiver Marquess Wilson (foot), linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee) and cornerback Bryce Callahan (quadricep) did not practice Friday.

Wilson is out, McPhee is doubtful and Callahan is questionable.

McPhee has been limited or out of practice for most of the season because of the nagging injury, and it doesn't appear it's getting any better, even with his game snaps reduced.

"I think what we've gotten out of him the last few weeks is about all we could expect right now," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said.

After getting 5 sacks and making 42 tackles in the first seven games, McPhee has zero sacks and 11 tackles in the past five games, one of which he was inactive.

Five other Bears are questionable after limited practices: cornerback Tracy Porter (ankle), safety Antrel Rolle (knee), wide receiver Eddie Royal (knee), tight end Zach Miller (ribs) and linebacker Sam Acho (shoulder). Linebacker Shea McClellin (ankle) is probable after a full practice.

For Washington, starting linebacker Perry Riley (foot) is out and starting defensive end Jason Hatcher (neck/ankle) is questionable.

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