Tommie Harris: I'll 'continue to keep working'

Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris said after practice Thursday that he was "disturbed" about not dressing for Monday night's victory over the Packers but will do all he can to get back on the field this week.

"I wasn't frustrated that I didn't play," Harris said. "It's just that it's Monday Night Football. It was very disturbing when I found out the news, but what can you do? You have great vets (on this team). Lance (Briggs), (Brian) Urlacher, those guys talked to me and just told me to be ready when it is my time again."

That could be as soon as Sunday night at the New Meadowlands Stadium against the Giants on national TV (Channel 5).

"We haven't complained about what Tommie has done as far as trying to get ready for the games each week," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "He had a good practice (Thursday). We'll see how it goes."

It was the third time in three years that Harris has been benched. But Harris, the Bears' first-round pick in 2004 who has been a starter since his rookie season, said he does not want to be traded.

"I love Chicago," he said. "I love my team. I love my teammates. I play hard for this city. I play hard for my players. That's what I do every time I'm out there."

Harris said the Bears' 3-0 record overshadows his benching, which he believes is temporary.

"That is not a big deal for me right now," he said. "It's all about winning. So, whatever it takes to help this team."

Harris says he will continue to work until he gets back on the field.

"While you are waiting, (you) do what you're supposed to do," the three-time Pro Bowler said. "I will just continue to keep working and wait to get my shot again."

Harris was benched after making a total of just 1 tackle in the first two games, production that he admits isn't up to his usual standards.

"I think I did all right," he said. "But I didn't do 'Tommie Harris good,' (up to) my standards and what I feel I am used to, (playing) at a Pro Bowl level. But it will get to that."

Message sent: Another benched player, wide receiver Devin Aromashodu, says he isn't frustrated after not dressing last week.

"I know that I'm capable of doing it, so it's a good thing to have the confidence that I will get a chance whether it's this week or whether it's Week 10," Aromashodu said. "When I get another opportunity I just have to be ready, that's the main thing."

Until Aromashodu shows a greater sense of urgency, more secure hands and a willingness to catch the ball over the middle, he may wait a long while although he admits the benching was meant to get his attention.

"It sends a little bit of a message, but we don't want to put too much pressure on ourselves because when you're walking on eggshells you really can't play well," he said. "You still have to go out there and just be loose and do your thing. You're not going to be perfect every play, that's something they have to understand. I mean, as coaches, they're not going to make the right call every play, so we just have to learn from our mistakes and try to do our best."

Injury update: In addition to Chris Williams and Major Wright, who remain out with hamstring injuries, Roberto Garza did not practice Thursday because of a knee injury. Chris Harris (neck) and Israel Idonije (foot) were limited.