Vasher, Tillman say they're ready to play

The messages Friday afternoon on the injury front was better than it's been all week for the banged-up Bears, but it remains to be seen how truthful the messengers are.

In the past, Bears players and coaches have played games regarding the status of injured players. So when starting cornerbacks Nate Vasher (wrist/thumb) and Charles Tillman (shoulder) both say they expect to play Sunday against the Lions at Ford Field, that doesn't mean it's for sure.

Both practiced on a limited basis Friday, which isn't saying a whole lot given the scaled-down intensity of the week's least-demanding workout. Wide receiver Marty Booker (knee) also returned to the practice field for the first time this week, but he, too, was limited. All three were listed as questionable on the injury report, as was rookie offensive tackle Chris Williams, who went through a full practice but is not expected to play Sunday.

Starting wide receiver Brandon Lloyd did not practice and has been declared out against the Lions along with defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who is suspended.

"I expect to be out there 100 percent," said Vasher, who practiced with a protective covering over his hand a forearm to protect a dislocated thumb that required surgery early in the week. "I'm looking forward to it. I think it's important for me to be out there just for my team, period. I know other guys will definitely need to step up. Injuries are a part of the game. We'll see exactly what happens on Sunday."

Tillman may have some difficulty wrapping up tacklers with his injured hand, but he said he's still able to intercept a pass despite the injury.

"I finished last week with it," he said, "and I anticipate doing that this week."

Tillman has been known to mislead the media during the week regarding his availability on game day, but he seemed optimistic.

"It's feeling really good," he said. "I'm confident I'll play. Watch and see this weekend."

Because of the Lions' reliance on the passing game and especially jumbo wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams, effective cornerback play is essential for the Bears.

Speaking of suspension: Lovie Smith said the suspension of Tommie Harris was more a matter of disciplining an individual than a missive to the team.

"Shoot, we're not trying to send any messages," Smith said. "It's pretty simple. You've got rules. You break the rules, you get punished."

Cornerback Charles Tillman said it's a situation between Harris and Smith.

"I just try to let Tommie and coach Smith handle that," he said. "I don't know enough about the situation, so I really can't comment on it."

Tillman also said the Bears as a team don't need any urgent messages about professionalism.

"I don't think it puts anybody on alert," he said. "Number one, everyone here is about their business anyway. Coach trusts us to do our job, and we trust him to do his job, so nothing else really needs to be said."

Tillman agreed that Harris' penalty reaffirms that no player is more important than the team or immune from discipline.

"I don't think anyone's above the law here, no matter who you are," Tillman said. "(Smith) treats everybody the same, which is a good thing."

Tillman didn't express any personal disappointment in Harris' behavior.

"Everyone has problems," Tillman said. "Everyone has their own things that they go through. Some people handle it differently than others. I'm not here to point fingers or judge anybody. I have my faults."