Smith preaches patience on O-line

The offensive line has taken some of the blame for the running game's weak start, and deservedly so.

But Bears coach Lovie Smith is taking a patient approach when it comes to the rebuilt unit that includes three new starters: right tackle Chris Williams, 13-year veteran left tackle Orlando Pace and left guard Frank Omiyale.

"These guys haven't played together a lot, even though we have veterans in the group," Smith said. "But Chris Williams hasn't played a lot of football (and) Frank Omiyale hasn't played a lot of football."

Williams played just a few snaps last year after missing half his rookie season following back surgery. Omiyale started one game in the four previous years with the Panthers and Falcons.

"It takes awhile for everything to jell," Smith said. "But it's not like I'm displeased with what our offensive line has done. We have to give the defenses a little bit credit, too. That defense we played (last) week had a few scholarship players. Eventually we'll be able to get some (of the) production we need from them."

Smith said he has not considered changes to the offensive line, although critics have singled out Omiyale for a lack of production, advocating a switch to last year's starter Josh Beekman.

"Our team isn't playoff ready right now," Smith said, "(But) we're making progress each week. We like the line the way it is, have a lot of faith in all of them, and in our running backs to get our running game going."

Waiting game: Quarterback Jay Cutler can afford to be more patient this year than in 2008, when he threw an AFC-high 616 passes trying to put up more points than the Broncos' leaky defense allowed.

"You don't have to force things," Cutler said. "Three-and-out isn't going to kill you. If you have a third-and-10 and you check it down to a running back in the flat and he get the first down, great. If not, let's get good field position for the defense, let's pin them down there and wait to get the ball back."

Injury update: Defensive end Alex Brown practiced Friday, was listed as "questionable" and is expected to play against Seattle.

"I'll be fine Sunday," Brown said. "I'll go out and do my best."

Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) was the only player who did not practice and will not play. Tight end Desmond Clark (fractured rib) is listed as "doubtful" and is not expected to play. Defensive tackles Tommie Harris (knee) and Israel Idonije (knee) and guard Frank Omiyale (ankle) practiced, and all are "probable."

For the Seahawks, linebacker Leroy Hill, offensive tackle Sean Locklear and cornerback Josh Wilson are all out, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, linebacker Lofa Tatupu and running back Justin Griffith are all doubtful and did not practice all week. Offensive tackle Walter Jones, defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and cornerback Ken Lucas all practiced and are questionable.