Can healthy Payne help slow down Rams' Jackson?

The Bears' secondary is almost back to where it started the season, which may or may not be a good thing.

After a 10-week hiatus, Kevin Payne will be back in the starting lineup at free safety Sunday. That's where he began the season, but he was benched after being burned on Greg Jennings' game-winning 50-yard TD catch with 1:11 remaining in the 21-15 loss to the Packers.

Danieal Manning, who opened the season as the Bears' nickel back, replaced Payne and started 10 games. But Manning was victimized on DeSean Jackson's 48-yard TD reception in the 24-20 loss to the Eagles on Nov. 22. He has practiced all week at nickel back, while Payne took snaps at free safety with the first team.

Coach Lovie Smith, who doesn't discuss lineup changes, was typically vague when questioned about the reshuffling in the secondary.

"If there is reshuffling," Smith said, "you're trying to find the best combination that gives you the best chance to win that weekend. If you're not totally happy with what you're putting on the football field at any position, then you look to improve it the next week. Every time we've reshuffled someone or started someone else, that's the reason why."

The 6-foot, 212-pound Payne does not possess the speed of the 5-foot-11, 202-pound Manning, but he is considered the more physical player vs. the run, and containing Rams running back Steven Jackson is Job One this week.

"It's an opportunity to go out and show my coaches and teammates what I can do," Payne said. "You always want to be a starter. When you're not starting, the only thing you can do is just continue to work hard and fight through adversity, persevere, and good things will happen."

When Manning started at free safety, he still moved to nickel back in passing situations, and Payne filled in at free safety.