GAME- CHANGER
Cutler earns game ball from Fox after giving offense boost in return from injury
Minutes after winning his second game of the year,
John Fox denied an NFL Network report that the organization was examining the football operation— and the Bears coach— with the help of a consultant.
“I’ve dealt with reports for some time now,” he said after the Bears’ 20- 10 win Monday night against the Vikings at Soldier Field. “But when you’re 1- 6, that’s what you expect. I think that’s part of the business.
“And this is a tough profession. But everybody’s compensated well, we all sign up for it, we get it. But I can tell you there’s no truth to that.” Fox, who along with GM
Ryan Pace is in the second year of a four- year contract, said the members of the team are in lockstep.
“This is as unified of an organization and a football team as I’ve ever been associated with,” Fox said. “The National Enquirer has a lot of reports, too.”
Offguard
Jay Cutler returned, but his best blockers didn’t. Pro Bowl guards Kyle Long and Josh Sitton were inactive.
Long’s absence wasn’t a surprise. He hasn’t practiced since injuring his triceps against the Packers.
Sitton, though, had practiced on a limited basis twice last week. He hasn’t played since spraining his right ankle against the Jaguars. Eric Kush, who started for Sitton at Green Bay, got the nod again at left guard. Ted Larsen made his first start of the season at right guard.
This and that
With Bryce Callahan ( hamstring) out, Cre’Von
LeBlanc started at cornerback and moved inside to the slot in nickel packages, with De’Vante Bausby playing outside.
◆ With 5: 19 left in the first quarter, head linesman
EdWalker slipped while running down the sideline and was carted off the field with a leg injury. ◆ Rookie tight end
Ben Braunecker made his first career catch, an eight- yarder in the second quarter that set up Jordan
Howard’s two- yard run on the next play.