LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears' decision to leave defensive tackle Marcus Harrison inactive for the season opener caught many by surprise.

After all, Harrison -- a 2008 third-round draft choice -- started nine games for the Bears last season.

"To be honest, I wasn't that surprised," Harrison said Wednesday. "It was me or [Henry Melton]. I guess they were deciding on as to who was going to be that seventh guy [on the defensive line]. I guess right now Henry can bring more to the table because he's able to play end as well as tackle, and he's also able to play special teams. You know you're not going to see me running down there on kickoff. I can't cover that much ground."

Harrison feels his demotion last weekend could be temporary. The defensive tackle hinted he may dress for the Bears' upcoming road matchup against the Cowboys.

"I don't know what it's going to be like next week, but from what I heard, I'm going to be [active]," Harrison said. "I just got to go out and practice. It is what it is. I'm ready to go."