Bears hope Jones becomes factor in running game

Despite Matt Forte's impressive debut, the Bears would like Kevin Jones to become a runner they can count on as much as the rookie. Jones had knee surgery last November, but he rushed for 45 yards on 13 carries (3.5-yard average) in Week 1.

"He's full speed now," coach Lovie Smith said. "Close to it at least. We definitely believe in having two running backs. I think it's hard for one guy to take all those reps. I think you can do it for a while, but with the 16-game season, you need two guys that you feel comfortable with. To play them both early and just make that a basic part of what you do. Most of the teams are doing it in the league. We believe in it and from what we've seen from the Panthers, they do too."

The Lions released Jones following his surgery, even though he's a former first-round pick who rushed for 1,133 yards as a rookie in 2004.

"Kevin is making progress," Smith said. "If you saw the way he works off the field, you'd expect him to get back to his old form, and it seems like that's what has happened. He's a good addition to our team."

Spreading the wealth: Kyle Orton's first 7 completions last week went to seven different receivers, and no one had more than 3 catches (Matt Forte) or 46 receiving yards (Desmond Clark).

That even distribution could become a trademark of the Bears' passing attack for several reasons, not the least of which is the absence of a clear-cut go-to receiver.

"Any time you have two tight ends like we do and backs that can catch the ball, you want to get everyone involved," Orton said. "And you want to use different formations, and you want to get matchups in your favor. I could see that being a concept for this offense."

Long lost friends: Defensive tackle Tommie Harris said he's looking forward to seeing his former teammate of three years, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who is now back with the Panthers.

"Oh, my goodness, Moose is like a brother to me," Harris said. "I might give him a big hug or something. Maybe tackle him across the middle, if it's a wide receiver screen or something. You know how it it is."

Ready to sweat: Temperatures in Charlotte, N.C., are expected to be in the mid-90s, but coach Lovie Smith said his team won't be at a disadvantage.

"We start preparation early in the week, just hydrating as much as you can, eating right, all of those things," Smith said. "We look well in advance to see exactly what type of weather we'll get on Sunday. They've been practicing in it. We go there one time and play in it. It shouldn't be a factor with us."

Injury update: Cornerback Nate Vasher (shoulder/back) and running back Matt Forte (ankle) were limited in Friday's practice but were listed as probable, as were defensive tackle Tommie Harris (ankle), linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle), wide receiver/return specialist Devin Hester (foot) and offensive tackle John Tait (groin), who all participated fully in practice. All are expected to play Sunday.