Floyd gives Chicago Bears defense a boost

A Chicago Bears defense that has been hobbled all year because of injuries to key players received a huge boost last week with the return of first-round pick Leonard Floyd.

In an otherwise forgettable loss at Green Bay on Thursday, the rookie outside linebacker had 2 sacks. On his second sack, Floyd also forced the Packers' Aaron Rodgers to fumble and then recovered the ball in the end zone for the Bears' only touchdown.

Floyd had a half-sack in the season opener, but his recent contributions had been minimal, and he missed Weeks 5-6 with a calf injury. Hamstring and shoulder injuries earlier this season hindered his progress.

But the Green Bay game could provide the confidence the 24-year-old Floyd needs to become more of an impact player.

"I think it's huge," coach John Fox said. "It's hard to have confidence when good things don't happen. With a guy like Leonard, who's as young as he is and has been in and out as much as he has, I think that was a huge boost."

The lanky, 6-foot-4, 240-pound Floyd made his fifth start last week but was on a "pitch count" to ease him back into the action. He played 35 of 91 snaps.

"He'll continue to grow," Fox said. "He's a determined young guy who's not afraid to work. A lot's been made of his (lack of) size both in the (draft) process and since. But he plays the game strong, he plays it sudden, he plays it explosive.

"Sometimes weight can be too much considered. He'll just continue to get stronger and develop more of a pro body as we move forward."

Sharing the rock:

Running back Jordan Howard's carries and yards have decreased in each of the last three games after his 23-carry, 111-yard Week 4 outing.

But coach John Fox said it's not so much Howard being phased out as a healthy Ka'Deem being phased back in.

"He's a guy that had been a productive player for us and had missed some time due to injury," Fox said of Carey, who missed Games 3-4 with a hamstring injury. "I think it's more (Carey's) resurgence than the other."

Carey had 50 yards on 9 attempts in Week 6 and 48 yards on 10 carries last week, a combined 98 yards on 19 carries (5.2-yard average).

Howard has 22 carries for 56 yards in his last two games (2.6-yard average).

Guarded condition:

The injury that knocked right guard Kyle Long out of the Green Bay game was a triceps strain, and he had treatment over the weekend. His status won't be known until Thursday, when the Bears have their next full practice.

"He'll get evaluated, and he's getting treatment along with many of our guys - unfortunately," coach John Fox said. "It's truly a day-to-day process."

Roster moves:

The Bears on Monday elevated offensive lineman Cornelius Edison to the active roster, signed offensive lineman Arturo Uzdavinis to the practice squad, claimed tight end Daniel Brown off waivers and waived running back Joique Bell.

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