Marion Barber’s silence could cost him
Running back Marion Barber faces a $10,000 fine from the league if he continues to refuse interview requests from the media, as he did after Wednesday’s practice inside the Walter Payton Center.
Barber, whose failure Sunday to stay in bounds while the Bears were attempting to run out the clock and his fumble in overtime contributed to the 13-10 loss, has refused interview requests since speaking briefly on one day in training camp. With no explanation from Barber, his teammates and coaches have spoken on his behalf.
“I have great confidence in him,” said Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz. “We all make mistakes. We can point to anything in that game; any of us could have done better, and that would have made a difference in that game, not just at the end there.”
Kahlil Bell, who rushed for 40 yards on 9 carries and caught 5 passes for 24 yards playing behind Barber said: “There’s no sense in still trying to cry about it. Just dust it off, wipe it off, and get ready for this week.
“We know how (Barber) works. We know what kind of teammate he is. We have his back. If he chooses that he doesn’t want to speak to the media, that’s his choice. We’re going to ride with him regardless.”
Informed of Barber’s refusal to speak, coach Lovie Smith said: “That’s the least of my concerns really, right now. I assume most of our guys answer when they’re supposed to and meet with you guys, but I’ve got other things on my mind right now instead of that.”
Randy Moss was once docked $25,000 for the same offense. When asked if he would send the league a check, Moss shook his head and said, “Nah, straight cash homey.”
Long way to go:Quarterback Jay Cutler lobbed some passes before last Sunday#146;s game in Denver, but he still has a long way to go in his rehab from thumb surgery. #147;I think it was more pushing than throwing,#148; Cutler said Wednesday morning on the Waddle and Silvy Show on ESPN Radio. #147;It was more of a shot put in my hands than anything. We#146;ll see how it feels this week and try to get better and better each day.#148;His surgeon, Dr. Randy Viola of Vail, Colo., evaluated Cutler#146;s thumb Sunday and was satisfied with the progress. But throwing for the first time in three weeks felt somewhat awkward.#147;It#146;s kind of like trying to relearn it,#148; Cutler said. #147;The ball was a little bit foreign in my hands and it was a little bit stiff, and with those pins in there, that kind of adds a little bit of a shooting pain. We just have to figure out once all the swelling#146;s gone whether or nor I can manage with these pins in or we#146;re going to have to pull them.#148;Asked about his chances of playing Christmas Day in Green Bay, Cutler was unsure.#147;I wouldn#146;t say it#146;s good or definite or even a real possibility,#148; he said. #147;There#146;s always a chance.#148;Running with it:With Matt Forte out, No. 3 tailback Kahlil Bell has rushed for 74 yards on 13 carries in the past two games, a 5.7-yard average. He is not expected to leapfrog Marion Barber on the depth chart, but has probably earned more touches this week.#147;We#146;re comfortable with a veteran (Barber), but we#146;ve been pleased with what (Bell) has done,#148; coach Lovie Smith said. #147;He#146;s done a good job when he#146;s got an opportunity. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, he can make you miss in the open field. Hopefully we#146;ll be able to get him a couple more carries.#148;Injury report:Cornerback Charles Tillman (knee), linebacker Lance Briggs (not injury related), defensive tackle Henry Melton (shin), running back Matt Forte (knee) and quarterback Jay Cutler (right thumb) did not practice Wednesday.Guard Edwin Williams (calf) and safety Major Wright (shoulder) were limited.For the Seahawks, wide receiver Doug Baldwin (ankle), defensive end Raheem Brock (calf), guard Robert Gallery (hip) and linebacker David Hawthorne (knee) did not practice.