Nov. 01--1. Refreshed for a rough road
The Bears poked out of their open-date hibernation to find a tough five-game November staring back at them: vs. Vikings, at Chargers, at Rams, vs. Broncos, at Packers. Coaches spent some of the off week self-scouting with hopes of smoothing the edges of the new schemes. They didn't disclose their findings, but those should surface beginning Sunday. The team became healthier at some positions but still is banged up at others. Safety Antrel Rolle (right ankle) is set to return from a two-game absence, but inside linebacker Shea McClellin (left knee) didn't practice all week. And another round of offensive line shuffling is at hand.
2. Off-center
Rookie center Hroniss Grasu "tweaked" his neck during practice Wednesday, coach John Fox said, and he missed practice Thursday and Friday. That disrupts the continuity Grasu, a third-round rookie, established in the last two starts. Veteran left guard Matt Slauson likely would fill in at center if Grasu can't play. The Vikings tend to show a six-man front, including two linebackers in the "A" gaps, and rush different combinations out of that look. Slauson's expertise calling protections would be essential. Also, veteran reserve guard Patrick Omameh (ankle) could start at right guard, and guard Vladimir Ducasse could move to the left.
3. Ratliff's release
The Bears officially released veteran defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff on Oct. 22 after a series of events at Halas Hall the previous day. Mulltiple Bears sources said Ratliff showed up in no condition work and as a result ultimately was informed of his release. Ratliff returned to Halas Hall, and according to the Lake Forest police report, Bears officals maintain he made statements perceived as threats that included children of staff members. Bears officials also said he called himself the devil, according to the police report. It leaves on the roster only three defensive linemen -- Jarvis Jenkins, Eddie Goldman and Will Sutton -- who were with the team in Week 2.
4. Threat from the north
At 4-2, the Vikings come to town as one of only six NFC teams with a winning record. Under second-year coach Mike Zimmer, they're emerging as a model for the rebuilding Bears. Five first-round picks are starting on defense, four of whom are on their rookie contracts. Offensively, Adrian Peterson appears to be the same physical, explosive running back he was before he missed most of the 2014 season. The Vikings, though, have lost their last seven games at Soldier Field. "I'm hoping this is a new team and a new organization, and all that stuff that's happened in the past doesn't matter," Zimmer said.
