Bears coach Dave Wannstedt said Wednesday that, except for tight end Ryan Wetnight, the rest of the injured Bears could play Sunday against the Lions in Soldier Field.
Wannstedt said that all three tailbacks–starter Raymont Harris, Rashaan Salaam and Robert Green–could face the Lions.
“Raymont looked pretty good,” said Wannstedt. “Rashaan practiced. Robert Green split time too.”
Salaam, who missed the first three games of the season with leg injuries, did not play at Kansas City last week because of a twisted knee.
“Rashaan is very, very frustrated,” said Wannstedt, “but nobody has lost confidence in him. He has to fight through it. If he practices (Thursday), he’ll play Sunday. But Raymont will start.”
Wannstedt said the Bears will use their nickel defense to counteract the Lions’ three starting wide receivers–Herman Moore, Brett Perriman and Johnnie Morton.
This means that a fifth defensive back, either Kevin Miniefield or John Mangum, will replace linebacker Vinson Smith in the lineup.
Record time: Lions running back Barry Sanders needs only 18 yards Sunday to become the first player in NFL history to exceed 1,000 rushing yards in eight straight seasons.
“I’m aware of that record,” says Sanders, “and I consider myself really fortunate. It’s a satisfying feeling being on the verge. I’m lucky I stayed healthy. Glad I’ve been able to last this long.”
Sanders, averaging 5.0 yards per carry, has rushed for 982 yards in only 197 carries, an average of just 17.9 carries per game.
“I’d like to get the ball more,” says Sanders. “But when we have as many players of ability as we have on our offense, there are never enough balls to go around.”
Ex-Packer Don Majkowski replaced Scott Mitchell at quarterback in last week’s 17-16 victory over Seattle. Mitchell, recovering from a rib injury, was listed as probable for Sunday’s game.
“I guess I would get more carries if Majkowski quarterbacks,” says Sanders. “When he plays, our offense is inclined to be more balanced.”
Sanders compares his running style with that of Dallas’ Emmitt Smith, the back with whom he is most frequently compared.
“We’re about the same size,” says Sanders. “I’m more prone to bounce it to the outside. He’ll read and hit the hole. I’ll shake my shoulders and try to make somebody miss.”
Holtz reaction: There were mixed reactions among former Notre Damers now wearing Bears uniforms concerning Lou Holtz’s resignation.
“I guess you could kind of see it coming a little bit,” said defensive lineman Paul Grasmanis. “Coach (Holtz) always talked about playing at least one or two years in the new stadium just to say he started off the new stadium. I had a feeling that next year would be his last.”
Defensive lineman Jim Flanigan was a little more surprised: “I kind of thought he would be there until he was done coaching.”
Grasmanis is campaigning for Bob Davie to replace Holtz. “Coach Davie would be a great head coach,” he said. “He’s a great players coach, the players love him and he knows how to get the team motivated, that’s for sure.”
Triplets: Jennifer Heck, wife of left tackle Andy, gave birth to healthy triplets, daughters Evelyn and Molly and son Charlie Wednesday at Evanston Hospital.
