Dec. 05--The Bears breathed some life into their faint postseason hopes with three victories in their last four games. But instead of zooming out to see the cluttered NFC playoff picture, they're trying to confine their focus to the 49ers' visit to Soldier Field on Sunday.
Here's our snapshot look at the game:
Player in spotlight
Tight end Martellus Bennett could put his unpleasant November behind him with a productive outing.
Yes, his eight catches for 57 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers on Nov. 9 were an important part of that victory. But in his other three games last month, he totaled only eight catches for 76 yards. His targets decreased from 11.6 per game in October to 5.8 in November, as No. 2 tight end Zach Miller asserted a greater presence in the offense.
In the loss to the Broncos on Nov. 22, Bennett did not execute quarterback Jay Cutler's check to a run play on the decisive failed two-point conversion attempt, running a pass route instead of blocking down. Two days after that, he expressed his frustration during practice about his role in the red-zone offense, multiple sources told the Tribune.
Bennett told the Tribune he wasn't "pissed off," and the matter didn't seem to faze coach John Fox. Both insisted Bennett's ribs injury was the reason he didn't travel to the Packers game on Thanksgiving. Bennett said he did not watch that game on television, instead receiving updates from his wife who was watching in another room.
Pressing question
The Bears are 1-4 at Soldier Field. The 49ers are 0-5 on the road. Whose woes will be relieved Sunday?
49ers coach Jim Tomsula hasn't pinpointed causes for their road troubles, but the stats speak volumes. They have given up an average of 35.2 points and 464 yards per road game.
Tomsula said the road struggles were a point of emphasis this week and that players have had input this season on such factors as meals and hotels to ensure they're comfortable and ready to play.
"We don't want any of those deep dish pizzas, I'll tell you that," he said of the trip to Chicago. "Go eating all that and then we won't be able to move."
Keep an eye on
Marc Mariani had season highs in catches (three) and receiving yards (35) against the Packers. As a slot receiver filling in for Eddie Royal, each of his receptions converted a third down.
"You're going to get everything he's got," quarterback Jay Cutler said. "There is no ego there."
Cutler said Mariani does everything you ask of him.
"He's going to give you 110 percent. You know exactly where he is going to be and when he is going to be there. You have to appreciate that."
Jimmie the Great
Jimmie Ward, the former Northern Illinois safety, has started four games for the 49ers as their third defensive back. After being drafted 30th overall in 2014 -- the second-highest ever for an NIU product -- he has endeared himself to Tomsula, who was the 49ers defensive line coach last season under Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Vic Fangio.
"He's a fighter, you know?" Tomsula said. "He doesn't blink and he's working his tail end off. Jimmie is one of those guys who's in with his questions every morning and finding a coach. He's just studying, studying, working, working and continues to improve."
Ward has 34 tackles in 11 games this season, and he's still looking for his first career interception.
Injury report
Receiver Marquess Wilson was ruled out with the foot injury he suffered in Wednesday's practice. He's second on the team in receiving yards (464) and third in catches (28).
Neither Royal (left knee) nor safety Antrel Rolle (right knee) practiced this week, but the Bears listed them as questionable. It's unusual for a player to play in a game after missing all three practices leading up to it.
Losing Wilson and, probably, Royal leaves the receiving corps in the familiar position of counting on reserves such as Mariani, Josh Bellamy and Cameron Meredith.
Technically, the Bears could activate first-round rookie receiver Kevin White from the physically unable to perform list, but that's unexpected. White began practicing with the team Nov. 24 as he continues to recover from Aug. 23 surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left tibia.
Cutler is probable. An illness limited him in Friday's practice. Defensive lineman Bruce Gaston (illness) is questionable after missing practice Thursday and Friday.
Tight end Zach Miller (ribs) is questionable. Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (left knee), tight end Martellus Bennett (ribs), tackle Kyle Long (neck) and running back Ka'Deem Carey (concussion) are all probable.
The 49ers will be without tight end Garrett Celek (19 catches, three touchdowns). Running back Carlos Hyde (foot) will miss his fourth straight game.
rcampbell@tribune.com
