Report: Bears may play some backups after all
ESPN Chicago reports that the Bears gave backups such as Kahlil Bell and Kellen Davis increased practice reps this week, indicating that they may play more than usual in Week 17 against Green Bay.
The report cites "multiple team sources," who say players like Bell were informed to be ready for extensive action. Beat writer Michael C. Wright names Matt Forte, in particular, as a starter who could be rested despite coach Lovie Smith’s insistence all week that the Bears would play to win. It’s unclear when the starters would be pulled. Jay Cutler, Greg Olsen, Julius Peppers, and Lance Briggs are other obvious candidates for rest.