Tillman announces he will be ready to face the 49ers

Charles Tillman vowed to be ready to go Thursday night at San Francisco after being knocked out of Sunday’s game with a left shoulder injury, and rookie strong safety Al Afalava labeled himself day-to-day.

The Bears weren’t just beat by Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner, who threw five touchdown passes in the 41-21 Cardinals’ victory at Soldier Field, they were beat up. Tillman left the game after trying to arm tackle wide receiver Steve Breaston on an end around as he was blocked by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

“I will be ready to see Isaac Bruce and [Michael] Crabtree, Josh Morgan and Vernon Davis,” Tillman said. “That guy can run. He’s not your average tight end.”

Tillman was knocked out of multiple games last season with shoulder injuries, and he has a history of subluxations in his career. He underwent surgery on his right shoulder in January but said that he will not be worried about his shoulders returning to the field.

Afalava was knocked out of the game when he re-injured his right shoulder that first became a problem in preseason. Afalava said after the game that he expected to have an MRI today, but that apparently didn’t happen.

“It’s good,” Afalava said. “There is a chance I will play.”

Running back Garrett Wolfe is definitely out for Thursday’s game with a lacerated kidney.

Lovie Smith will hold his press conference in about 30 minutes. Check back for updates from it and a look at what defensive tackle Tommie Harris had to say for himself following his ejection on Sunday.