Bears need Vasher, Tillman this week

Starting cornerbacks Charles "Peanut" Tillman (shoulder) and Nate Vasher (wrist/thumb) both missed practice again Thursday, and neither is expected to be 100 percent, if they play at all, Sunday for the Bears' game in Detroit.

And that's a dangerous situation against Detroit's talented WRs Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams.

Vasher had minor surgery on his dislocated thumb earlier this week but still has a slim chance to play. Tillman might have a slightly better chance.

But, if the front seven can pressure Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, it could limit the effectiveness of the passing game. That would obviously make things easier in the secondary, which could include second-year cornerbacks Corey Graham and Trumaine McBride.

Linebacker Lance Briggs believes the Bears' linemen will be able to hurry Kitna without the help of him and the other linebackers. But everyone on the defense will have to pick up the slack.

"I think the front four are going to put pressure on (by) themselves," Briggs said. "But if Peanut and Nathan don't play, it's going to put more pressure on us all. That's just where it is. We all have to step up."

Picks and hits: Kevin Payne enjoys making highlight hits as much as any strong safety, and physical play is one of his strengths, but so far this season he's been known more for his interceptions, leading the Bears with 2.

"I still like getting big hits," he said, "but I haven't had too many this year. But I'll take an interception any day."

Payne has been a pretty productive hitter, too. Last week he tied middle linebacker Brian Urlacher for honors with 10 tackles, and for the season, he's got 32, just 1 less than Urlacher's team-best total.

"Kevin has made improvement from week to week," coach Lovie Smith said. "He has good hands. He'll hit you. He has all the things you look for in a safety, but you (still) need to do it on the field. We have seen steady improvement from him. Now he's one of the guys we're expecting big plays from, and that's what you would like to say about your strong safety position. We've been looking to get a player like that for a while."

Ever since Chris Harris was traded to the Panthers during last year's training camp.

Game on wherever: Of course 10-year veteran tight end Desmond Clark would rather play at home and outside, rather than inside the Lions' Ford Field dome, but he knows his preferences don't count for much.

"It really don't matter," Clark said. "It's a football game, so inside, outside ... if they create something else besides inside, outside ... I'm still playing football. That's where I'm playing at, so it really don't matter."

Injury update: In addition to cornerbacks Nate Vasher and Charles Tillman, wide receivers Brandon Lloyd and Marty Booker and defensive tackle Tommie Harris all missed practice Thursday with knee injuries. Offensive tackle Chris Williams (back) was limited, but safety Kevin Payne (neck) was a full participant.