Safety Eddie Jackson has been looking forward to the rematch against the Eagles, probably more than most.
“Most definitely,” Jackson said. “They took the playoff game from us and I wasn’t able to play. But it’s time to finally see them again.”
Jackson was in the midst of an All-Pro season last year when he suffered a high ankle sprain returning an interception of Aaron Rodgers in Week 15 at Soldier Field. He missed the Bears’ final two regular-season games and was activated for the wild-card playoff game against the Eagles at Soldier Field on Jan. 6. But he did not play in the 16-15 loss.
“There was a lot of frustration, being a playoff game,” Jackson said. “Just to see all we accomplished last year and not being able to be out there with my teammates, my brothers. It was definitely frustrating to watch.”
Winning a regular-season game would hardly even things up — what’s done is done. But facing the Eagles still figures to heighten the Bears’ attention.
“I won’t say it’s bigger, but it’s definitely in the back of our minds what they took from us last year,” Jackson said, “so it’s definitely a thought.”
Injury report
The absence of defensive end Akiem Hicks and guard Kyle Long — both on injured reserve — obviously has had a detrimental impact. But the Bears are otherwise unusually healthy for Week 9 of an NFL season. Back-up outside linebacker Isaiah Irving, who did not practice because of a quad injury, is the only player on the injury list.
For the Eagles, tackle Jason Peters (knee), running back Miles Sanders (shoulder) and linebacker Nigel Bradham (ankle) did not practice. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (abdomen), defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (foot) and running back Darren Sproles (quad) were limited.
There’s a time out …
The Bears announced Wednesday that popular public address announcer Jim Riebandt will retire at the end of the season after concluding his 38th season.
Riebandt started as a back-up to Chet Coppock in 1979 and became the full-time P.A. announcer at Soldier Field games in 1982.
His signature schtick — “There’s a time out” followed by fans responding, “Where?” And Riebandt continuing, “… on the field” — has entertained Soldier Field fans for years.
Where Eagles dare
The last time he faced the Eagles, quarterback Mitch Trubisky was stifled for much of the game before rallying in desperation in the fourth quarter of the playoff game. He completed 26-of-43 passes for 303 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions for an 89.6 rating — actually higher than winning quarterback Nick Foles (77.7).
“I think we could look at the film and see what they did against us. I think that helps for this week, trying to find some schemes and tendencies. But we’ve realized every year’s different.
“We’re going into a tough environment and playing a good football team. Gotta prepare. Gotta do what we do. And we’ll definitely be looking at last year’s film, see what works. See what they showed against us and just go from there.”
