Offense needs to find another gear in red zone

The Bears’ red- zone offense, which ranks 25th in the NFL, needs to put its foot on the gas Thursday.

“I just think sometimes you’ve got to be aggressive,” wide receiver Alshon Jeffery said. “Sometimes you’ve got to go [ for] it. That’s part of football.”

The Bears have scored nine touchdowns in 19 trips inside the 20- yard line ( 47.4 percent). The Packers are seventh in red- zone defense, allowing six touchdowns in 13 trips.

Red- zone offense was a huge factor when the Bears beat the Packers 17- 13 at Lambeau Field last season. The Bears scored two touchdowns and kicked a field goal in three opportunities. The Bears also did not commit a penalty in any of their redzone possessions in that game and were 4- for- 5 on third- down conversions. So it’s more than just a matter of being aggressive. But quarterback Brian Hoyer has to find a happier medium.

“We want him to be as aggressive as he can in the timing of the play,” offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said, “so there are shot opportunities that are called and we have to execute. Brian has done a nice job doing what he’s coached to do.”

Injury report

Jay Cutler ( sprained thumb) was one of nine players who did not practice Tuesday. Also out were guard Josh Sitton ( ankle), cornerbacks Tracy Porter ( knee) and Bryce Callahan ( hamstring), nose tackle Eddie Goldman ( ankle), wide receiver Eddie Royal ( toe), outside linebacker Sam Acho ( personal), running back Jeremy Langford ( ankle) and cornerback Deiondre’Hall ( ankle).