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Last year the Chicago Bears started the same five offensive linemen in all 16 games, this season they are already forced to replace two fifths of the group. Both center Roberto Garza and guard Matt Slauson are suffering from high ankle sprains and neither will play Sunday night. Both back up center Brian de la Puente and back up guard Michael Ola stepped in last week and played some very good football.
This will be Ola's first career start in the NFL, but he has 21 CFL starts on his resume. The center of the Bears o-line shouldn't suffer any drop off in production as de la Puente had 44 career starts from 2011-2013 while a member of the New Orleans Saints.
With no one on the Bears roster able to back up at center, I'd expect Taylor Boggs will be activated from the practice squad. Newly signed Eben Britton has worked out at center in the past, but he isn't experienced or skilled enough for game-day action.
The Bears have three wide receivers all battling injuries. Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) are listed as questionable (50/50 chance they play) and Josh Morgan (groin) is listed as doubtful (25% chance to play).
Trestman said he'll go right up until 90 minutes before kickoff Sunday before making calls on whether Alshon and Marshall will play.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) September 12, 2014
At today's practice Jeffery was limited and Marshall sat out.
Technically the Bears have until Saturday to promote from the practice squad, but since they are planning on traveling to San Francisco tonight, they may have their roster sorted out at some point today. Besides Boggs, it's being reported that wide out Josh Bellamy will also be called up.
The other Bears ruled out are fullback Tony Fiammetta (hamstring) and #3 QB David Fales (shoulder).
EDIT: Fiammetta and Fales are no longer Bears.
For the San Francisco 49ers, they will be without linebackers NaVorro Bowman, who is on the PUP list, and Aldon Smith, who is suspended. Also not playing for the Niners is defensive tackle Glen Dorsey, who is on their injured reserve/ designated to return list.
The official status of starting corners Chris Culliver (concussion) and Tramaine Brock (toe), starting right tackle Anthony Davis (hamstring) and back up center Marcus Martin (knee) is not known at this time. None of the four participated in a full practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
Chris Culliver still must pass contact simulation to be cleared. Should be no #49ers surprises: Don’t expect CB Brock or RT Davis to play.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) September 12, 2014
Once we have official word from the 49ers on their injury list, we'll pass it along.
EDIT:
#49ers questionable: CB Tramaine Brock (toe), CB Chris Culliver (concussion, stinger), T Anthony Davis (hamstring).
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 12, 2014
#49ers Harbaugh said CB Chris Culliver (concussion) "should be good to go" for Sunday vs. #Bears.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 12, 2014
#49ers P Andy Lee (right knee) appeared on injury report and is probable. Lee had stim machine attached to knee today.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 12, 2014
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