LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Inactive the last two games, Bears offensive tackle Chris Williams' best shot of getting back on the field might hinge on a rash of injuries or a change of scenery.

The former first-round pick has been a healthy scratch in recent week as the Bears decided to dress veteran Jonathan Scott as their active swing tackle/reserve deep snapper on game day.

Bears head coach Lovie Smith addressed Williams' status at the conclusion of Monday's practice.

"I think like all of our players, you'll have different roles during the course of the year," Smith said. "Chris realizes that. He's coming to work every day just like the rest of our team is."

In the event the Bears can find a trade market for Williams, the NFL did push back the league's trade deadline until the Tuesday following the conclusion of Week 8.