Chicago Bears back at full strength to face Bucs
Last time out, the Chicago Bears' short-handed offense, with Jay Cutler back at quarterback for the first time in six weeks, rolled up 403 yards in a 20-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings and their NFL-best defense.
Fast forward and the Bears are back at full strength, refreshed from their bye week and preparing to face the Buccaneers' 28th-ranked defense Sunday at Tampa, Florida.
On paper, it seems like an ideal setting for John Fox's 2-6 team to produce its first winning streak of the season.
Pro Bowl guards Kyle Long and Josh Sitton, both of whom missed the Monday night victory over the Vikings, were full participants in Thursday's practice.
Wide receiver Eddie Royal, who missed the last two weeks with a toe injury, was limited Thursday but will play Sunday, barring a setback.
Before his injury, Royal was second on the Bears in receiving yardage (338) and tied for second with 29 catches. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound slot receiver was on pace for his best year since his 2008 rookie season.
He's understandably thrilled to be back.
"It's awesome because it's tough to watch the game," Royal said after the Vikings win. "But the excitement that we got a win against a very good football team, that just shows you what we can do. Now that we're at full strength, it ought to be fun."
Royal was the only player on offense who was even limited Thursday.
On Sunday, running back Jeremy Langford also will be two weeks further away from the Week 3 sprained ankle that sidelined him for four games and limited him to 1 catch for 11 yards and zero carries against the Vikings.
"We're getting the full deck back together again," Cutler said, "which is going to make it easier for the playcallers and guys making plays for us."
Cutler admitted he was a little rusty against Minnesota, but he still threw for 252 yards and a touchdown with a 100.5 passer rating. He wasn't intercepted and was sacked just once.
"I think Jay will get the biggest benefit because this is his second (straight) start," coach John Fox said. "He missed five games, and he'd be the first to tell you that there's a little rust there.
"Anytime a guy comes back after missing time, regardless of the position but particularly the quarterback, there's adjustments. But the run game and the offensive line can be good friends to the quarterback."
With Cutler back, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery caught his long-awaited first touchdown pass of the season, and tight end Zach Miller had team highs of 7 catches and 88 yard. The addition of Royal gives the attack another weapon.
"It gives us some more options in the slot," Cutler said. "Gives us some more options on third down. We've been cycling Cam (Meredith) through there and trying to get Zach the ball, but being able to have (Royal) in there, he's an explosive guy; he knows how to get open. It just presents more options for us."
It also presents more problems for a Tampa Bay defense that is 27th in passing yards and 29th in average gain per pass allowed.
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