Defense has one mission: stopping Rams' Jackson

Unlike the multidimensional Vikings, defending the 1-10 Rams is more about stopping one man - running back Steven Jackson.

"He's a huge part of their offense, so if he gets going it opens up a lot more things for them," Bears defensive end Alex Brown said. "We've got to stop him."

The 6-foot-2, 236-pound Jackson has already rushed for 1,120 yards, second in the NFL, and he leads the Rams with 40 receptions.

"He does it all," Bears linebacker Lance Briggs said. "They move him out as a receiver in the slot, and they use him as a wide receiver. You need to know where (No.) 39 is on the field."

Jackson did not practice Wednesday or Thursday but says he will play vs. the Bears. His streak of four straight 100-yard games was snapped last week when the Seahawks "held" him to 89, and he's got six 100-yard games this season.

"He's one of the top backs in the league," Bears nose tackle Anthony Adams said. "He'll make you miss, he'll run through you, he'll run around you, he's quick and he can block. He can do it all pretty much."

Because the Rams don't have many weapons aside from Jackson, he's seen defenses stacked to stop him all season, but he still gets his yards. Jackson was jokingly asked if he's seen a lot of eight-man fronts.

"No," he said. "I see nine in the box."

Back in action: Cornerback Charles Tillman (concussion) and defensive end Alex Brown (calf) returned to full practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday, and both are expected to play Sunday.

Although he said he considers head injuries a serious matter, Tillman felt good enough to joke about his mild concussion.

"It obviously hurt. What else happened? I'm trying to remember. Everything's so foggy," he said with a smile.

"I saw like a bright flash and the dizziness more than anything," Tillman said, turning serious. "I was completely conscious. I knew what was going on the whole time. I was completely aware of my surroundings. I knew I was in Minnesota. I knew I was in a football game."

Injury update: Offensive left tackle Orlando Pace (groin) and linebacker Lance Briggs (knee) did not practice Thursday for the second straight day and both appear doubtful for Sunday.

"Both are getting better," coach Lovie Smith said, "but they haven't practiced, so it isn't looking good."

Tight end Desmond Clark (neck) was limited Thursday.

If Briggs doesn't play, the Bears will be without all three linebackers who started the season opener.

Jamar Williams would start for Briggs on the weak side. Williams started on the strong side in Week 4 when Pisa Tinoisamoa was out with a sprained knee.

"The past four years I've been waiting for moments like these," Williams said, "and when they occur, I've just got to step up and make something happen."