Bears' Jeremiah Ratliff Returns To Practice
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- On Sunday in Seattle, the Bears saw their defense get to a quarterback for the first time all season. Chicago recorded four sacks of the Seahawks' Russell Wilson, their first four of the year.
Now, the Bears are set for a big addition to the defense, with nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff returning to action. An 11-year veteran, Ratliff was limited Wednesday in his first practice following a three-game suspension stemming from a DWI arrest in 2013, as he's recovering from an ankle injury.
"I'm happy to be back out here with the guys and playing football again," said Ratliff, who referred to Wednesday as something to build on.
Ratliff's an important cog for the Bears defense in more than one way. With linebacker Jared Allen being dealt to Carolina on Monday, Ratliff will be counted on as a leader.
The Bears are currently 0-3 and looking to turn it around Sunday against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field.
"Talking is not going to do it," Ratliff said. "We just go out and just work. Period. Work harder than you worked before. Make it noticeable. Make your whole team see it. Make them follow it. Make them believe it. That's what we got to do. Period."
Around Halas Hall, moves are being made, with Allen and third-year linebacker Jon Bostic being traded Monday, then Tuesday's waiving of second-year safety Brock Vereen.
Bears players are aware that the possibility of being moved is real. Ratliff's comfortable with whatever could be coming.
"I'm thankful for every single day I've had -- seventh-rounder, 11 years," Ratliff said. "I'm just missing a Super Bowl. I know what I'm playing for. Whatever decision is made, I'm at peace."
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