Bears shuffle O-line again

Chris Spencer (broken hand) did not appear on the injury report all week and reported no adverse effects Friday from Thursday’s practice.

“We don’t think there are any issues,” coach Lovie Smith said. “We don’t think it will stop him from doing anything.”

Spencer is expected to start at right guard Sunday, with Lance Louis moving from right guard to right tackle and former right tackle Frank Omiyale moving to the bench. Omiyale started the previous three games but was yanked in the last two because of poor performance.

“Playing time in a game is based on what we see in practice,” Smith said. “That’s why we started Frank. But Frank didn’t play as well as he needs to. It’s about performance, and (when) we’re not satisfied with the performance, you do look at other options. We looked at other options in the (Lions) game.”

Against the Lions, Louis started at right guard but then moved over to replace Omiyale. Edwin Williams took over at guard for Louis because Spencer’s broken hand hadn’t sufficiently healed.

Health report:Defensive end Julius Peppers, defensive tackle Matt Toeaina and offensive tackle Gabe Carimi (knee) all missed Friday#146;s practice with knee injuries. Toeaina and Carimi will not play, but Peppers is #147;doubtful,#148; and he could see some action if his condition improves by Sunday night.Wide receiver Earl Bennett (chest) was not limited in Friday#146;s light practice, and he was listed as #147;questionable,#148; but is not expected to play. Cornerback Charles Tillman (hip) and defensive end Corey Wootton (broken hand) both went through a full practice and are #147;probable.#148; Tillman will play, but Wootton will likely be held out another week.For the Vikings, cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) didn#146;t practice and is #147;doubtful.#148; Wide receiver Percy Harvin (ribs) was limited and is #147;questionable.#148;Rookie debut:Bears second-round pick Stephen Paea will dress Sunday for the first time in the NFL and will play in the defensive tackle rotation. Paea will back up nose tackle Anthony Adams, who is expected to start in place of injured Matt Toeaina (knee) and 3-technique tackles Henry Melton and Amobi Okoye.If Julius Peppers (knee) doesn#146;t play or is limited, Melton will be shifted to defensive end, opening up even more playing time for Paea inside.Follow Bob#146;s Bears reports via Twitter @Bob LeGere and check out our Bear Essentials blog at dailyherald.com.