Bears to put Carimi back in offensive line mix

The Bears didn’t draft offensive tackle Gabe Carimi in the first round so he could sit on the bench, and now that he’s healthy enough to practice following a knee injury in Week Two, the process of introducing him back into the starting lineup has begun.

The problem is that the current offensive line, with Lance Louis at Carimi’s right tackle spot and Chris Spencer filling in for Louis at right guard, has played well in back-to-back victories, and continuity is vital on the offensive line.

Coach Lovie Smith has plenty of time to reach a decision before the next game on Nov. 7, and he will rely heavily on the input of offensive line coach Mike Tice to determine who starts against the Eagles.

“I don’t think it’s hard making many decisions,” Smith said. “The guys tell you (by their performance). Right now we like the group we’ve had on the field the last couple weeks. They’ve played good ball. And to be able to add a first-round draft pick who was playing great football before, that’s a great position to be in.”

Welcome back:Wide receiver Earl Bennett has enjoyed watching his teammates make big plays during the two-game win streak as he continued to heal from the chest injury that has sidelined him since Week 2. But enough is enough; Bennett wants in on the action, and he#146;s expected to be o the field the next time the Bears play, against the Eagles in Philadelphia.#147;I#146;m a competitor,#148; he said. #147;I like to go out, play, play hard, and we definitely got to keep this win streak going. They#146;ve been playing great. Everybody#146;s been making plays every time they get their chance, winning one-on-one matchups and getting (yards) after the catch. I#146;ve been missing it and I#146;m excited about getting back.#148;Quarterback Jay Cutler can#146;t wait to have Bennett back.#147;He#146;s very stable,#148; Cutler said. #147;He#146;s going to be in the right spot. He#146;s going to make plays after the catch. He#146;s an every-down receiver that I would love to see back on the field.#148;Just chill:After Thursday#146;s#146;s scaled-down practice, players will be off until Monday. Before they go their separate ways, Lovie Smith#146;s message will be similar to what it has been in the past.#147;We want to heal up,#148; he said. #147;Mentally, we want to get away from football. We want them to get away and spend some time with their family and enjoy college games and just kind of enjoy life getting ready for this next push.#148;