With cornerback Nathan Vasher on injured reserve, rookie wide receiver Earl Bennett will be active for the first time in three weeks. Bennett is needed as the backup punt returner to Devin Hester, a role Vasher previously held. Brandon Rideau was active last week instead of Bennett.
Once again, veteran running back Kevin Jones is inactive as the Bears try to get as many bodies as possible for special teams. The rest of the inactives:
3rd QB Caleb Hanie
FB Jason McKie
G Terrence Metcalf
DT Matt Toeaina
DE Ervin Baldwin
For Minnesota, right tackle Artis Hicks (elbow) is sidelined meaning the Vikings will turn to former second-round pick Ryan Cook, who was recently benched in favor of Hicks.
