Bears don't have time to explain timeout issues
The Bears occasionally have had trouble getting plays in on time from offensive coordinator Mike Martz upstairs in the coaching box to Jay Cutler on the field and, as a result, have had to use timeouts.
“During the course of the game, there may be some communication problems,” coach Lovie Smith said. “I don't have enough time or really want to go into all of the reasons why. There were a few situations where it was a problem (Monday night). But there were a few situations where a lot of things were a problem. We'll just keep working on it, as far as up top getting the call to (the sideline) a little bit quicker and then from there just making sure we relay the message (to Cutler).”
Cutler was vague when asked about the ongoing problem.
“I don't know, you know,” he said. “Well, I do know … but we'll get them fixed.”
A fine mess:Safety Brandon Meriweather has already been fined $20,000 by the league for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, and he can expect another fine this week for leading with his helmet on a couple occasions vs. the Detroit Lions. But that isn't what concerns coach Lovie Smith about the team's safeties.#8220;We try to coach the players up the best we can,#8221; Smith said. #8220;I'm looking at our safety play in general, and we have to improve getting in position to make some of those plays. We can't continue to give up big plays in the running game or the passing game.#8221;Say no to T.O.:Quarterback Jay Cutler was asked if bringing in a veteran receiver such as Terrell Owens could help the Bears.#8220;I don't think it's possible,#8221; he said. #8220;Hypothetically, yeah, we'd like to bring anybody in here. But six games into it, half a season into it, and expect them to be a real contributor is ... it's just hard.#8221;Safety in numbers:Safety Anthony Walters, who was promoted from the practice squad on Tuesday, could see his first NFL action Sunday.#8220;We felt like that would help our football team,#8221; coach Lovie Smith said. #8220;In order to get promoted, you had to have done some good things, and we've seen good things. We'll just let it play out to see how far it goes.#8221;Injury update:Cornerback Charles Tillman aggravated his hip injury vs. the Lions but is expected to play Sunday. Offensive tackle Gabe Carimi (knee) and wide receiver Earl Bennett (chest) are not expected to return yet. They have both missed the past three games.#376; Follow Bob's Bears reports via Twitter @Bob LeGere.