Kreutz misses practice, but Bears aren't worried

Center Olin Kreutz did not practice for the second straight day, which normally would be a cause for concern. But not for Kreutz, who's missed one game in 10 years and has started 126 in a row.

“Olin's an iron man,” coach Lovie Smith said. “Playing (that) position, you're going to be banged up throughout, but some guys seem to show up each Sunday, and you would definitely say that about Olin Kreutz. I don't really see that being a problem.”

The last game Kreutz missed was in 2002, a week after an appendectomy. It would be a major problem if he couldn't play Sunday against the Vikings talented, veteran defensive line.

For any team, a new center affects the continuity of the offensive line more than a change at any other position up front.

“Everything starts with him. He touches the ball first and makes all the different calls,” Smith said. “It would definitely knock us a step back without him.”

Kreutz, a 13-year veteran, makes the blocking calls for the O-line and is like a coach on the field. Without him, right guard Roberto Garza would likely move to center with Edwin Williams or Lance Louis filling in at right guard.

Fresh troops

Cornerback Zack Bowman was limited at practice Thursday for the second straight day, but the Bears hope to have him back Sunday after he missed the past two games with a sprained foot.

Bowman started the first three games but lost the starting job to Tim Jennings, who has played well enough to retain the job even after Bowman returns.

“I've been pleased with how the guys have stood out, especially Tim Jennings,” coach Lovie Smith said. “Going into the season, he was just kind of a guy in a backup role, but he really has earned his stripes after he's moved into the starting lineup.”

Jennings, a five-year veteran, was signed in the off-season after the Indianapolis Colts did not re-sign him, even though he had started 17 games the previous two seasons.

Jennings was back at full strength Thursday after being limited on Wednesday because of a sore knee from the Buffalo Bills game. Nickel back D.J. Moore (head) also was back Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

The added depth would be welcome against the Vikings' deep and talented receivers, especially if deep threat Sidney Rice returns.

“They do have a good group of receivers,” Smith said. “As far as our depth, we feel pretty good; we've played good receiving corps before.”

Left for dead

A victory by the Bears Sunday would leave the Minnesota Vikings at 3-6 and without a realistic chance of making the playoffs.

“That's our thinking, that 3-6 would be tough to come back from,” linebacker Brian Urlacher said. “The NFC's wide open, I know that, but I think it would be tough to come back from that. But it's going to be tough to get them to 3-6. They're playing better.”