Bears` defensive tackle Dan Hampton said Wednesday his sprained ankle is
”not as bad as we`d thought.”
Hampton and defensive end Richard Dent (hip pointer) are listed as probable for Sunday`s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Tight end Emery Moorehead also is probable with a sore knee. All three missed practice, but coach Mike Ditka said they will play.
— Quarterbacks read defenses, but do they read about other quarterbacks?
This was Joe Montana`s innovative assessment when Chicago writers asked the 49ers` quarterback to comment on Bears` quarterback Jim McMahon: ”He`s a rough, tough, big strong type of guy who is going to stand in there and take the punishment. He has a lot of success with it and he has the arm and body to be able to do it.”
— Montana was named National Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week for his role in the 49ers` 38-17 victory over the Falcons. Montana threw five touchdown passes.
— San Francisco coach Bill Walsh laid thick praise on the Bears. He said that the 49ers ”will have to execute perfectly to stay with Chicago.”
Walsh said the 49ers` 3-2 record is a result of ”sloppy football.” He sounded like he was ready to forfeit.
Ditka gave it right back.
”I was thinking of calling the commissioner myself,” Ditka said. ”What if we both don`t show up? They`re the best team in football. Most intimidating defense I`ve ever seen. Most innovative offense that`s ever been coached.”
— Incorrect game summaries of Seattle`s victory over San Diego showed Rolf Benirschke kicking for the Chargers. The kicker was former Bear Bob Thomas. Benirschke is eligible to come off injured reserve this week, but is still hampered by a groin muscle strain, the Chargers said.
— Former Bears` punter Dave Finzer made his debut with the Seahawks against the Chargers. His first boot of 48 yards earned a standing ovation from the Seahawk crowd. Seattle has endured the punting inconsistencies of Jeff West, Jimmy Colquitt, West again, Colquitt again and finally Finzer.
