THREE ANDOUT

1. Bullard benched

The Bears want to play their rookies as much as possible, but only if they’ve earned it.

That was the message sent to defensive lineman

Jonathan Bullard, their third- round pick. For the first time this season, Bullard was benched because he didn’t play well enough over the last three weeks when veteran

Mitch Unrein was out with a back injury. Bullard has a sack and two tackles for a loss this season.

Coach John Fox described Bullard’s benching as “just ability.” Fellow lineman Cornelius

Washington, however, has excelled and seen his playing time increased.

2. Nick’s a hit

Rookie linebacker Nick

Kwiatkoski turned in an impressive performance in his second career start. He struggled early on but finished with nine tackles, including two for a loss. He also had two pass breakups.

“For me, it was getting in the groove of things,” said Kwiatkoski, who never left the field. “I definitely feel that I improved as the game went on.”

3. Wilson gets hurt

A strained groin prevented receiver Marquess Wilson from building on his breakout game last week.

Wilson, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, was targeted only once in the first quarter. It came on a third- and- 14 play from the Bears’ 38.

“It is what it is,” said Wilson, who had eight catches for 125 yards and a score last week against the Titans. “We got a ‘ W,’ so I don’t really care.”