Bears rule Martellus Bennett out for Packers

Bears tight end Martellus Bennett won’t play Thursday night, the team announced, because of a ribs injury suffered during Sunday’s loss to the Broncos.

Bennett was one of three players ruled out. The other two were wideout Eddie Royal (knee) and running back Ka’Deem Carey (concussion).

The Bears’ list of questionable players is longer, including running back Matt Forte (knee) and receiver Alshon Jeffery (groin), who have said they hope to play. Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee and safety Antrel Rolle, who both have knee injuries, are the team’s two defensive starters on the questionable list. So too is backup linebacker LaRoy Reynolds and backup safety Sherrod Martin.

The absence of Bennett, who has 50 catches for 425 yards, could open up more opportunities for Zach Miller, who has three touchdowns in the Bears’ past three games.

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