Short Week Provides Another Challenge For Injury-Riddled Bears
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- During the course of a long NFL season, rest comes at a premium. Deep into November, bodies of most players have bumps and bruises that need time to mend.
So a short week is anything but pleasant, but that's what the Bears and Packers face on Thursday, each playing four days after Sunday's games in a Thanksgiving contest in Green Bay.
"It sucks, actually," Bears cornerback Tracy Porter said of the limited rest.
The Bears just finished a 17-15 loss to the Broncos on Sunday, a physical game in the cold. Already with a slew of injuries on the roster, they have fewer days for recovery and less time to rest.
With the statuses of Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery, Antrel Rolle and several other players uncertain, the Bears a recovery day Monday, then have a full practice Tuesday and a walk-through set for Wednesday, after which they'll travel to Green Bay later that day.
The wear and tear for all players is a definite, exaggerated by the short week of preparation.
"Your body is used to having more days in between," Porter said. "It's a part of the game. You learn to adjust to it."
Adding to it all is the Bears aren't just playing any other team. They travel to Green Bay for a battle with the rival Packers (7-3), who climbed into a first-place tie in the NFC North with a 30-13 win against the Vikings (7-3) on Sunday.
For the Bears (4-6), Thursday's game is a last-ditch opportunity to make noise in the division, one they want to take advantage of.
"Shoot," Bears guard Matt Slauson said. "I want to play every day."