With Floyd out, look for Jones to get even more involved in Bears defense
Linebacker Christian Jones has played inside and outside in his four years with the Bears.
He's having his best season this year, with a team-leading 64 tackles, focusing strictly on inside linebacker.
But, because of the season-ending knee injury to outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, Jones could occasionally line up outside. He got his first sack in three years last week and said he's comfortable in either spot, although there are differences.
"You see things differently," Jones said. "Inside, you're (playing) off the ball. You can digest things a lot quicker. On the ball (outside on the line of scrimmage), things are happening right away. You've got to be ready. Your hands got to be through the chute. Those guys are big down there, so you've got to be ready at all times."
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said moving the 6-foot-3, 251-pound Jones outside is "possible," but added, "He's got the body type to do it, but I think he's better suited inside right now."
Isaiah Irving, who was promoted from the practice squad two months ago and has 3 special-teams tackles, could see some action at outside linebacker this week, as could Howard Jones, who was signed from the practice squad this week.
The thinking man:
A couple weeks before the start of the regular season, offensive left tackle Charles Leno signed a four-year extension for $37 million with nearly $22 million guaranteed.
He's earned it according to left guard Josh Sitton, who lines up next to Leno.
"When I first got here, Leno was the only reason I knew what the (heck) I was doing that first week," said Sitton, who started the season opener just seven days after he was signed. "He's probably in his playbook and on his iPad more than anybody in the building. He has a great understanding of the offense, and he works his (butt) off.
"And he works with me to get better. That's what I really appreciate about him. We're always trying to grow and evolve together. As an offensive lineman, you're not just focused on yourself. It's five guys playing together."
Injury update:
Four Bears are doubtful for Sunday's game after not practicing Friday: Wide receiver Josh Bellamy (concussion), defensive end Robertson-Harris (hamstring), linebacker Danny Trevathan (calf) and safety DeAndre Houston-Carson (ankle).
Two others - quarterback Mark Sanchez (illness) and linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee) - did not practice but are questionable. Wide receivers Dontrelle Inman (groin), tight end Dion Sims (illness) and defensive lineman Mitch Unrein (knee) were full participants in practice and are also questionable. Four others were limited Friday and are questionable: Defensive linemen Akiem Hick (knee), offensive linemen Tom Compton (ankle) and Kyle Long (ankle) and cornerback Bryce Callahan (knee).
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