1. Adewale Ogunleye, defensive end
Ogunleye called his injury a slight tear in the ligament in his ankle and the Bears insist it is a muscular problem in the lower leg. Maybe it’s both. Either way, Ogunleye vowed not to rush back onto the field until he is 100 percent, but coach Lovie Smith said Monday he expects the high-priced player to be on the field Sunday.
2. Thomas Jones, running back
A sprained big toe on his left foot limited him to one carry against the 49ers, but the Bears didn’t really miss their most valuable offensive player thanks to Anthony Thomas’ 98 yards. Smith thinks Jones will be back against the Giants, but with Thomas viewing each carry as a chance to impress potential free-agent suitors, there’s not such a hurry.
3. Charles Tillman, cornerback
If Tillman continues to mend from the soft-tissue injury above his knee, he could play as soon as Nov. 21 against the Colts. Since Tillman sustained the injury Sept. 19 against Green Bay, the Bears have accelerated rookie Nathan Vasher and welcomed back Jerry Azumah, giving them quality depth at a critical position.
4. Mike Gandy, right guard
Gandy’s hamstring continues to nag him but he could return Sunday. The Bears want Rex Tucker, who struggled in his first game in two years, to keep the job but cannot be sure that he will stay healthy either. Smith would not say who would start.
5. Bobby Gray, strong safety
With Azumah back, Gray has not been missed in the nickel defense with a lingering groin injury that has caused him to miss the last two games–especially not with Vasher gaining confidence as the fifth defensive back. Smith said Gray would be out a little bit longer.
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Haugh appears on WSCR-AM 670 on Tuesdays at 12:20 p.m.
