How will banged up Bears O-line fare against tough Vikings defense?

Last week the Vikings sacked Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford 7 times, which is of special concern to the Bears and their banged-up offensive line, which could be shuffled again because of injuries.

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is well known for bringing a variety of blitzes utilizing myriad pass-rush combinations.

"They got to the quarterback a lot (vs. the Lions)," Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase said. "He's got multiple things he can do, and he makes it tough. That's going to be a big challenge for us."

If healthy, rookie Hroniss Grasu (neck, questionable) would make his third NFL start. If not, veteran left guard Matt Slauson (shoulder/knee, questionable) is the likely replacement in the pivot, which would leave Patrick Omameh (ankle, questionable) to take over at left guard.

Zimmer was an NFL defensive coordinator for 14 years, the last six with the Bengals, before he got the Vikings' top job last year, so Bears coach John Fox is familiar with his blitzes.

"It's something 'Zim' has done for a long time," Fox said. "It's called a 'mugged' look - they walk the (line)backers up. They got a combination of bringing four from the (same side). Detroit struggled with that a little bit. But it's something they've done for some time now."

Gase said he's not worried about the O-line.

"It's more concerning because (the Vikings) are really good and they have a good scheme," he said. "I'm not really worried about our guys. They're going to do what we ask them to do and do it to the best of their ability. We just have to make sure we get a hat on a hat."

Still waiting:

The secondary has yet to force a turnover this year, but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is hopeful.

"Guys are improving," Fangio said. "We've got some new faces back there. We've got to help them more. We've got to put a better pass rush on the passer. That's part of that equation, too. We've just got to get closer and make a few plays on the ball. We've got nowhere to go but up. It will happen at some point."

As a team, the Bears are 25th in interception percentage, with a total of 3 - all by linebackers. Undrafted rookie Jonathan Anderson got 1 in his first NFL start in Week Six, Jared Allen had 1 before he was traded to the Panthers, and Pernell McPhee got the first of his five-year career in Week Four.

Linebacker Sam Acho has the only fumble recovery for the defense.

Quick learner:

Charles Leno, last year's seventh-round pick, has played well enough at left tackle that he could keep the job over veteran Jermon Bushrod (shoulder), who is back at practice on a limited basis.

"He's so smart, and he's accepted coaching," right tackle Kyle Long said of Leno, who has started the past three games. "He's not somebody that's going to beat himself up, but he will constructively criticize himself, and he knows what it takes to make progress."

Star power:

Second-year defensive lineman Will Sutton remembers in college and high school watching Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, but times have changed.

"Heck yeah, now it's time," Sutton said. "We're in the NFL; we're all pros. He's been doing it for a while, but I have to go out there and not lose focus of my job.

"I can't just sit there and be like 'That's A.P. on the other side.' I have to go get him."