James “Big Cat” Williams’ 120-game starting streak is in jeopardy because of an injury to the right hip flexor he sustained in Sunday’s 14-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
A team source said Tuesday that it’s possible Williams will miss Sunday’s game against New Orleans in Champaign. Coach Dick Jauron had seemed more optimistic Monday when he said the right tackle’s status would be evaluated day-to-day.
Another possibility is that Williams will try to keep his streak alive but give way quickly to rookie Marc Colombo.
The status of injured defensive tackle Ted Washington remains in doubt, meaning the Bears (2-0) could be facing the Saints (2-0) without four opening-day starters. Defensive end Phillip Daniels hurt his ankle and cornerback R.W. McQuarters injured his knee in the Minnesota game and aren’t scheduled back for another couple of weeks, possibly longer.
Washington injured his left ankle in Atlanta and will get a second medical opinion Wednesday that could clarify his status. He visited a doctor Tuesday and was wearing a plastic boot to immobilize the ankle. Sources say he has two problems with the ankle, neither believed to be season-ending. But they are considered serious enough that the Bears are likely to have to decide whether he should miss several weeks with hopes he can return healthy or whether he should try to nurse the ankle from game to game with treatment during the week.
Washington has not missed a game in more than seven seasons. Williams has not missed a game in eight seasons. Both players were selected to the NFC Pro Bowl squad after the 2001 season.
On a positive note, quarterback Jim Miller will be ready to play on his injured left ankle. Miller aggravated the injury Sunday even though the Falcons apparently were intent on keeping the Bears quarterback healthy.
Atlanta players said after the game that they did not want Miller hurt because they were more afraid of backup Chris Chandler.
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips distributed copies of comments by Miller and offensive coordinator John Shoop that the Bears believed that they could manhandle the smaller Atlanta front seven last week. Members of the Falcons’ front seven, outweighed 50 pounds per man by the Bears’ offensive line, were incensed.
“That’s coming from a guy who isn’t even the best quarterback on his team,” Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney said.
“We did not want to get Chris Chandler in that game. We know how good Chris can be when he gets some time.”
The Saints will have to settle for the Bears’ “second best.”
