Bears could be down a running back Sunday

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (ribs) and running back Adrian Peterson (knee) did not practice all week and neither is expected to play Sunday, although both are listed as "doubtful."

Sans Peterson and barring a roster move, the Bears would face the Falcons with just two running backs, Matt Forte and Garrett Wolfe. Fullback Jason McKie could be an emergency fill-in at running back. Less likely is that Kahlil Bell would be promoted from the practice squad. Coach Lovie Smith has a plan but declined to divulge it.

"We've made it and we're kind of ready to go," Smith said. "Sunday we'll show up, and we'll unveil it then."

Defensive tackles Anthony Adams (toe) and Israel Idonije (knee) and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa are "questionable." Idonije, who had arthroscopic knee surgery on Oct. 5, and Tinoisamoa were full participants in Friday's practice, while Adams was limited. All three are expected to play. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris was listed as probable after going through a full practice. Idonije downplayed what would be a quick turnaround from surgery to the artificial turf at the Georgia Dome.

"I don't know why everybody is saying it's a big deal," Idonije said. "Two weeks. That was planned the whole time for me. I knew in two weeks I'd be ready to go."

Sharing the burden: At various times, left tackle Orlando Pace and right tackle Chris Williams will have primary responsibility for Falcons defensive end John Abraham, who was third in the NFL with 16 1/2 sacks last season and has 3 so far this year.

The Falcons move Abraham around in their defense to create better pass-rush opportunities for him.

"It's tough," Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. "He's a great player. You always have to account for where he is, and they do move him around a lot. In the passing game, especially, he can take over a game if you let him."

A rising tide: In addition to putting up his own Hall of Fame numbers and being voted to 10 Pro Bowls, the Falcons' Tony Gonzalez helped all tight ends, according to the Bears' Desmond Clark, who plays the same position.

"He raised the pay scale (for tight ends)," Clark said. He was (one of) the first to get that wide receiver-type money. I think the first tight end that really changed it was Shannon Sharpe, and he followed in his footsteps and just elevated it, (showing) the tight end could be the primary receiver. He just took it up to another level."

Book it: After catching 14 passes for 211 yards for the Bears last season, 11-year veteran wide receiver Marty Booker was not re-signed, but he hooked on with the Falcons during training camp when Harry Douglas went on injured reserve. Booker has 4 receptions for 59 yards while learning the offense on the fly.

"Marty's learned the offense really quickly," quarterback Matt Ryan said. "I'm thrilled to have him. He's made some big plays for us, some big third-down conversions, so he was a really big pickup for us after Harry Douglas went down."

In his two stints with the Bears, Booker, a high school quarterback, was well known for his exceptional arm strength, but Ryan isn't threatened.

"He's got a pretty good arm," the Falcons' quarterback said, "but I think I'd take mine."