The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is located off of 5th Street in Minneapolis, not on 34th Street. Nonetheless, it was the place of a miracle Monday night.
If you fell for Nathan Vashers antics last week, that is.
The Bears veteran cornerback is active for tonights game vs. the Vikings, meaning he is expected to play for the first time in nearly three months since partially tearing his groin muscle Sept. 23. The Sun-Times reported Monday that Vasher was expected to play.
He told a huddle of reporters last week that it would take a miracle for him to play against Minnesota and the chances were between slim and none. But hes back on the field which means he can build some momentum toward the offseason after a season of personal struggles with the injury.
The inactives for the Bears are: S Josh Gattis, LB Darrell McClover, G Josh Beekman, DT Babtunde Oshinowo, WR Mike Hass, TE John Gilmore and DT Darwin Walker.
It was a surprise to see Gilmore inactive, but perhaps a sign that the Bears know they are not going to be doing much running against Minnesotas top-ranked run defense.
John St. Clair will start in place of Terrence Metcalf at left guard. Metcalf has not played particularly well since replacing Ruben Brown at Oakland last month. It will be a game-time decision on who replaces Walker at defensive tackle. Hes out with a banged-up left elbow. Rookie LB Nick Roach is active for the first time and will be a four-phase contributor on special teams.