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We're Black and Blue All Over:

Something is different about the Chicago Bears this season, and it's not just their potential for an explosive offense. As Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune writes, coach Lovie Smith is physically rejuvenated, having dropped 29 pounds over the past 12 months. Healthy and calm as always, Smith is in position to be among the longest-tenured coaches in Bears history.

Smith said he is "on a health kick like I've never been on in my life." Pompei notes there are no signs of the physical stress and mental fatigue that punctuated the final years of former coach Mike Ditka's reign in Chicago. If he makes it through the 2014 season, Smith will tie Ditka as the second-longest tenured coach in Bears history after George Halas.

Pompei: "If Ditka was starting to burn out in his ninth season, Smith has reignited his fire. Smith has continued to work well with people around him, both newcomers and holdovers. There are no external signs that he has been on the job too long. In fact, he has the enthusiasm of a high school cheerleader. He doesn't drink alcohol, coffee or pop but seems impervious to the stress and fatigue that eats up NFL coaches. Smith rolls with it, and being a flat-liner has its benefits. He could live longer than he otherwise might have, both as coach of the Bears and as a human being, as a result."

I've always thought one of Smith's most admirable qualities is his consistently calm demeanor, both on the sideline and on the practice field. I know some fans are frustrated by what they consider a lack of fire, but I really think players appreciate that he offers a consistent daily approach.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Bears defensive tackle Amobi Okoye received $600,000 on his way out of Tampa Bay a few days ago, according to my NFC South colleague Pat Yasinskas.
• The Bears have not discussed a new contract for quarterback Jay Cutler, whose deal expires after the 2013 season, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
• Injuries are a factor now for the Bears, writes Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is predicting a 10-6 season for the Green Bay Packers. McGinn: "In analyzing this team, there are a few too many weaknesses without readily discernible solutions."
• The Packers are comfortable with a thin group of seven offensive linemen on their 53-man roster, writes Mike Vandermause of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers acknowledged this might be his final season with receiver Greg Jennings, who is a pending free agent. Via Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com, Rodgers said: "I think you have to think about whether or not there's room for all of us. If there's not, obviously you wish Greg the best. He's a great guy and will be a great friend."
• Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press gets to know new Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Alan Williams, who once blew up mailboxes with firecrackers.
• Vikings middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley is a riddle, writes Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune.
• The Detroit Lions got under the NFL salary cap by restructuring the contract of defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
• The crew at Mlive.com debates whether the Lions' secondary is ready to step up this season.
• Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News: "The Lions don't even try to disguise their intent anymore. Would Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan like to develop a running game? Well, sure. But virtually every move the Lions make, every offensive player general manager Martin Mayhew adds, is done with the goal of maximizing [Calvin] Johnson's ability to affect a game."
• Check here for season predictions on the Lions from the Detroit Free Press.

Most significant move: The most significant move of the final cut-down, and the entire offseason, is how aggressive the Bears were in trying to upgrade special teams. In free agency, they signed Eric Weems to help Devin Hester with returns. They kept undrafted safety Jeremy Jones to help on special teams, then traded fullback Tyler Clutts to Houston to acquire cornerback Sherrick McManis. They also kept linebacker Patrick Trahan to help out on special teams. Figuring the team will have a better offense, the Bears wanted to shore up special teams to keep their offense in good field position.

Onward and upward: With only three draft choices making the 53-man roster -- third-round pick Brandon Hardin ended up on injured reserve -- the Bears need to see if they can slide released draft choices Isaiah Frey (sixth round) or Greg McCoy (seventh round) to the practice squad. The Bears may only keep one on the practice squad because both are cornerbacks. They also hope to get undrafted tackle James Brown through waivers to get him on the practice squad. The Bears kept the predicted eight offensive linemen on the active roster, so they need a tackle (Brown, A.J. Greene or Cory Brandon) and an inside prospect to fill out the practice squad.

What’s next: The Bears aren’t standing pat. They ended up adding 16 new players to the roster and are in the process of signing defensive tackle Amobi Okoye as a backup. It wouldn’t be surprising if they look at Antonio Dixon, a defensive tackle released by the Philadelphia Eagles. A decision still has to be made on a punter. Adam Podlesh suffered a hip flexor injury, so the Bears kept undrafted punter Ryan Quigley on the active roster. It’s not out of the question for them to look for another punter who was released.

Amobi Okoye was the Chicago Bears' top reserve defensive lineman in 2011, recording four sacks and providing an active presence with enough versatility to swing between tackle and end. His one-year agreement with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the weekend suggests he had few, if any, opportunities for a bigger role.

So I don't want to say his departure leaves the Bears flummoxed. But when you combine it with their release of defensive tackle Anthony Adams over the winter, you can at least say the Bears will have some new faces in their 2012 rotation.

The question is where it will come from.

When you look at the chart, you see that the Bears essentially used three players at defensive end in 2011: Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije and Okoye. They split time at defensive tackle among Henry Melton, Matt Toeaina, Stephen Paea, Adams and Okoye.

Subtract Okoye and Adams from that list, and you're looking at a defensive line rotation that, at least for the moment, stands at five incumbents. No matter how much confidence the Bears have in their existing personnel, you would think they'll need a significant addition or unprojected progress from a reserve such as Corey Wootton to round out this group.

The Bears appear to agree, having aggressively pursued free agent Jeremy Mincey last month before he returned to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's fair to say that, given a choice, the Bears wouldn't prefer to have their starting defensive ends playing an average of four out of every five plays -- especially when one of them is 32 (Peppers) and the other is Idonije, who is probably best suited for the kind of swing role Okoye served in last season.

At this point, however, the free-agent market is largely picked clean of impact defensive linemen. So while we've spent plenty of time discussing the Bears' apparent needs at offensive line and receiver, you wonder if they won't target a defensive lineman in the opening rounds of the draft.

That's why ESPN analyst Mel Kiper had the Bears selecting Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus with the No. 19 overall pick in his most recent mock draft. Stay tuned.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Good Monday morning. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. We're pretty much full speed ahead toward the NFL draft, which opens in just 17 days, and have plenty of ground left to cover. But first, let's ease back into the football routine with a tour around the NFC North:

• The Chicago Bears lost defensive lineman Amobi Okoye to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night. It's not clear how intensely the Bears pursued him. Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com has more.
• Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune examines whether the Bears' offensive line can improve without changing the personnel.
• Dan Pompei of the Tribune runs through the Bears' remaining needs.
• The Detroit Lions' offensive line is confident in its future, writes Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.
• Maintaining their level will be the Lions' biggest challenge in 2012, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• The family of former Lions receiver Charles Rogers doesn't want to comment publicly after his most recent legal entanglement. Andy Hoag of Mlive.com has more.
• Former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Blair Kiel has died, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• The Packers hosted defensive lineman/linebacker Dave Tollefson on a visit, but Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette writes that it's unclear if they made Tollefson an offer before he signed Friday with the Oakland Raiders.
• Former Packers offensive linemen Daryn Colledge, Tony Moll and Jason Spitz will soon debut the third vintage of their "Fat Guys" label Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon. Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic brings us up to date on this important story.
• The Minnesota state legislature is nearing a session stalemate on a variety of important issues, including the Minnesota Vikings' stadium bill, according to Baird Helgeson of the Star Tribune.
• The Vikings are scheduled to meet with Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd, according to Gil Brandt of NFL.com.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- While I was scurrying this way and that Monday at the NFL owners meetings, Chicago Bears president Ted Phillips was addressing the future of tailback Matt Forte with Chicago-area reporters. As you know, Forte did not react well to the signing of backup Michael Bush and apparently there have been low-level trade rumors as a result because he has not yet signed his franchise tender.

Coach Lovie Smith threw water on the fire Sunday in a conversation with ESPN's Rachel Nichols, and via Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune, Phillips said: "Matt is going to be a Bear." Phillips added: "Our goal with Matt is to keep him a Bear as long as possible. We have made offers on long-term deals that we think reward him at a high level, the level he deserves. We haven't been able to reach common ground. The door is open to keep talking. If we get a deal done, we'll be happy. If we don't, then the deal we have is the franchise tag and we'll see what happens after this year."

The remaining piece of this puzzle is the value of the long-term deal Forte has turned down. As a result, we don't know if the dispute is based on a lowball offer from the Bears or an inflated value Forte has established for himself. But obviously the sides are nowhere close at the moment, and the question shifts to whether Forte will play under the terms of the $7.74 million franchise tag or if he will stay away from training camp when it opens in July.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Bears defensive lineman Amobi Okoye is scheduled to visit with the Cincinnati Bengals, reports Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com.
• The Detroit Lions are confident in their nucleus of players, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• NFL commissioner Roger Goodell doesn't know if there was a bounty placed on any Lions players before their wild-card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press explains.
• It seems unlikely that the Lions will sign defensive end Cliff Avril to a long-term contract anytime soon, writes Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
• Don't underestimate the Green Bay Packers in free agency, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Packers general manager Ted Thompson on receiving four compensatory draft picks, via Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "More is better."
• The Packers might do away with night practices in training camp, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• The Minnesota Vikings made a strong push to sign free-agent receiver Pierre Garcon, writes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• The Star Tribune examines the majority support of a Vikings stadium from the Minneapolis City Council.
• Vikings owner/president Mark Wilf on the team's offseason approach, via Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com: "We want to win right away, too. But the main thing is we want to be first-rate and first-class on a consistent basis."

Most of you know I'm not a big fan of the Pro Bowl. I don't necessarily have a way of making it better, but that doesn't mean I have to like the current incarnation. In the end, the rosters are rarely a true rendering of the best players in the NFL.

Fan balloting ended Wednesday, and you might be excited that NFC North players received more votes than those of any other division. I'm not. Mostly I'm impressed with your tenacity at the virtual ballot boxes. The Green Bay Packers' Chad Clifton, who hasn't played in two months, was the leading vote-getter among tackles? Well done.

(NFC West colleague Mike Sando has the complete divisional breakdown if you're interested.)

Players and coaches are next up for voting. Teams for both the NFC and AFC will be announced Tuesday, to be followed shortly by injury- and playoff-related pullouts. In advance of the announcement, let's consider some of the more interesting Pro Bowl-related questions in the NFC North:

How will injuries impact the final voting?

Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson, Chicago Bears tailback Matt Forte and Packers receiver Greg Jennings were all having obvious Pro Bowl years before their seasons were cut back by injuries. Peterson has returned after missing three games but ranks behind 16 other players with 932 rushing yards. Forte's 1,487 all-purpose yards still rank No. 2 in the NFL, but he might not play again this season and thus would have only 12 starts on his stat line.

Jennings, meanwhile, is probably done for the regular season and doesn't rank among the NFL's top 10 in either receptions or receiving yards.

In an ideal world, voters wouldn't hold a few games missed for injury against deserving candidates. But let's face it: some players, fans and coaches use the NFL statistics leaders to cast their ballots.

Will Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford make it?

Stafford finished No. 4 in fan voting among NFC quarterbacks, behind the Packers' Aaron Rodgers, the New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees and the Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton. The New York Giants' Eli Manning and the Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo are also strong candidates.

Stafford ranks fourth in the NFC in passer rating, yards and touchdown passes. He's on the edge.

Should Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh make it?

Suh finished second among NFC defensive tackles in fan voting, but he quite frankly hasn't made the same impact as he did as a rookie in 2010. His three sacks rank behind eight other defensive tackles in the NFL, including two from the Bears alone; Henry Melton and Amobi Okoye have combined for 11 sacks.

Suh also missed two games because of his NFL suspension, further limiting his opportunities for production. We'll see.

Will Packers linebacker Clay Matthews make it?

Those of us who have seen most Packers games would agree Matthew has made an impact beyond his six sacks. But assuming that at least some voters use the stat packet for their guide, it must be noted that 37 players have more sacks.

With that said, Matthews also has two interceptions, 10 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He's had a Pro Bowl season.

How many NFC North cornerbacks will make it?

I would say Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, who is tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions, is a lock. But there are two other names to at least consider.

Lions cornerback Chris Houston has four interceptions, two of which he's returned for touchdowns, but has missed two games because of a knee injury. Meanwhile, Bears cornerback Charles Tillman has only two interceptions but has been widely complimented for his work against Lions receiver Calvin Johnson this season and overall has had an excellent year.

Chances are Woodson is the only player named Tuesday, but it wouldn't be surprising for Houston and Tillman to be named alternates.

Are both Bears linebackers in?

Lance Briggs has been named to every Pro Bowl since 2005 and Brian Urlacher returned last season after injury-related absences. Both have been healthy and productive this season and have the advantage of name recognition, but you never know how the Bears' late-season slide will impact their candidacies.

For what it's worth, Urlacher needs 36 tackles over the final two games of the season to match his 2010 total. Briggs has already surpassed last year's performance in terms of tackles.

Will Packers receiver Jordy Nelson get any support?

I'm going to guess not, but it's worth noting that Nelson has the second-most touchdown receptions (10) among wide receivers. He also needs 14 more yards for a 1,000-yard season.

Good Sunday to you. As always, NFC North teams are making waves in the news stacks. The Chicago Bears made the first big splash of this round of NFL free agency, agreeing to terms with safety Brandon Meriweather the day after the New England Patriots unexpectedly released him.

Meriweather is 27 and a two-time Pro Bowl player. He is athletically in the prime of his career and one who presumably wouldn't walk into a dead-end job, which is what the Bears would seem to have with veteran Chris Harris and second-year player Major Wright locked into starting roles.

So I think one of two things has happened here:

The Bears are less enthused about Wright than they have let on and are far from certain that they will re-sign Harris, whose contract will expire after this season.

Wright missed more than his share of tackles this preseason, but coach Lovie Smith is always looking to bring a young safety along. There have been no public indications that his job is in jeopardy, but would Meriweather sign with the Bears if he thought he wouldn't get a chance to start?

That brings us to Harris, whose play in the second half of last season was one of the reasons the Bears locked up the NFC North. There have been no indications of skill deterioration from him this summer, but you never know what plans the Bears have for him after this season.

Meriweather received a one-year deal, so there is no guarantee the Bears could hold on to him next season if they don't re-sign Harris. But a year in their system would probably give them the upper hand, at least. Via Twitter, Harris said he doesn't know how Meriweather will fit in. "I just work there," Harris tweeted.

The second possibility is that Meriweather didn't have as many options as he might have hoped.

Under that theory, he would fall into the category of defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, receiver Roy Williams and defensive end Vernon Gholston -- former first-round draft picks whom the Bears gave long looks to in training camp. (Okoye and Williams both made the final 53-man roster.)

When the Patriots make a veteran player available, either via trade or by release, the rest of the NFL gets suspicious. They have one of the league's most respected player evaluation systems and it's not often that coach Bill Belichick has bid farewell to a player who later matched the success he had in New England.

As Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com points out, there were indications all summer that Meriweather's status with the team had suddenly turned shaky. He reported to training camp in questionable shape, played more than many starters in the preseason and wasn't a great match for the increased amount of man defense the Patriots reportedly will play this season.

The Bears don't run their traditional Tampa-2 scheme as often as advertised, but they wouldn't be considered primarily a man defense, either. Any concerns about Meriweather's man coverage would be mitigated in their scheme.

From the outside, this seems like a strong and relatively risk-free move for the Bears. They made a small commitment to bring in a player who has been at the top of his position the past two seasons. If he can unseat Wright, that makes them a better team. If all he does is provide depth this season, they've got a better-than-normal backup plan should a starter be injured. And if he projects as a long-term replacement for Harris, the Bears will have one less offseason question to answer.

Let's see what else this day has in store for us....

Welcome to preseason Week 4, where most players you know and love will take up residence on the sideline. All four NFC North teams are in action Thursday night. I've tossed out a few talking points below and will have some postgame thoughts either late tonight or, more likely, first thing Friday morning.

Chicago Bears
Opponent: Cleveland Browns
Location: Soldier Field
Key issues: Backup quarterback Caleb Hanie has a 55.9 passer rating this preseason, having thrown two interceptions and no touchdowns in 53 attempts. His job isn't threatened, but the Bears would like to see him finish summer on a higher note. ... Do the Bears have any pass-rushing depth other than tackle/end Amobi Okoye? This game should provide give us some definitive answers.

Detroit Lions
Opponent: Buffalo Bills
Location: Ralph Wilson Stadium
Key issues: The Lions have built significant momentum this summer and, frankly, escaping unscathed Thursday night should be their only goal. They should take a long look at their running back depth, determine a winner in their punting derby between Nick Harris and Ryan Donahue, and get back to Detroit.

Green Bay Packers
Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
Location: Lambeau Field
Key issues: The Packers need to decide how many receivers and tight ends they'll keep and then make decisions accordingly. Will receiver Chastin West make the team? How about receiver/punt blocker Tori Gurley? Also, third-string quarterback Graham Harrell should get a long opportunity to lock down a roster spot.

Minnesota Vikings
Opponent: Houston Texans
Location: Metrodome
Key issues: Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder will start. Will he earn the No. 2 job behind Donovan McNabb? Or will it be Joe Webb? We'll also get a look at the Vikings' depth, or lack thereof, behind tailback Adrian Peterson. It's interesting to note they tried to claim former Lions fullback/running back Jerome Felton. Meanwhile, second-year defensive end Everson Griffen will get a look at linebacker as the team looks for depth behind its starters.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

We've spent so much time this summer discussing the Green Bay Packers' left guard competition, won by veteran T.J. Lang, that we haven't really noted that left tackle Chad Clifton has spent much of training camp on a strict practice regimen designed to limit wear and tear on his knees. With relatively little practice under his belt, Clifton looked pretty rusty in Friday night's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

But as Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com points out, the Packers have no concern about Clifton's durability and availability for the season, even with his heir apparent -- rookie Derek Sherrod -- now working as the second-team left tackle. Here's what coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Sunday:

"I have all the confidence in the world in Chad Clifton. Like I've stated, Chad Clifton's played at a Pro Bowl level in my time here, and I expect him to play at that level this year. I don't know what else to tell you. He had a handful of plays I'm sure he wishes he had back."

Clifton's rough night came against a pretty good opponent in Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney, who had two sacks. Clifton also was called for an obvious hold on a play that wiped out a touchdown. It seems that similar concerns have arisen about Clifton most every summer, and he's managed to push through the season. The fact that the Packers drafted a player at his position in the first round makes things a little more interesting this year, but I really don't think the Packers want Sherrod replacing Clifton anytime soon.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Packers tailback Ryan Grant on taking a pay cut this season, via Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette: "Nobody wants to lose any money, but at the same time you have to look at the situation. I'm not the first person to [take a pay cut], I won't be the last person to do it. We'll see how it pans out. The fact that it's guaranteed makes you feel good they're willing to do that as an organization."
• Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel profiles Tori Gurley, who has unofficially blocked five punts in Packers training camp this summer.
• Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun-Times on Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs' request for a new contract: "Lance Briggs is not Brian Urlacher, and therein lies the problem in Briggs' quest for another boatload of money from the Bears."
• Sean Jensen of the Sun-Times profiles Bears defensive tackle Amobi Okoye.
• Bears tight end Desmond Clark was carted off the field Saturday with a knee injury, but Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com reports it is not believed to be a season-ender.
• Bears receivers left 100 yards of catches on the field Saturday night against the Tennessee Titans, writes Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune.
• Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson seems to be running with a different style this summer, writes Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com.
• Vikings left tackle Charlie Johnson played well Saturday night against the Dallas Cowboys, writes Mark Craig of the Star Tribune.
• Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press looks at the Vikings' roster battles.
• The Vikings are offering upper-deck tickets at a 50 percent discount for their first two home games. A failure to sell out will lead to a local television blackout.
• The Detroit Lions' offense looks potent, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News: "If Matthew Stafford is the face of the Lions, then Ndamukong Suh is the scowl. Even the sneer. When we talk about this team changing its culture, that's where it starts, where Suh and his buddies reside."
• Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com considers the matchup problems presented by Lions tight end Tony Scheffler.

Reviewing Saturday's action at LP Field

Tennessee Titans 14, Chicago Bears 13

Preseason record: 1-2

Of interest: First, the good: I thought tailback Matt Forte continued his strong summer performance in carrying 17 times for 74 yards and a rare goal-to-goal touchdown. Quarterback Jay Cutler connected six times with receiver Earl Bennett, who if it were up to Cutler would be the Bears' No. 1 receiver. Cutler also broke the ice with receiver Roy Williams, hitting a 17-yard pass on the offense's first play. Finally, the Bears' run defense looked pretty strong against a Titans team that was admittedly without tailback Chris Johnson. ... Now, the other side: Cutler's second pass, also intended for Williams, was intercepted. My first-blush reaction was that Williams shouldn't be blamed, but he did say afterwards that he should have caught it. Regardless, the play won't do much for the duo's chemistry. The Bears defense had no interceptions and managed only one sack, by reserve defensive tackle Amobi Okoye. ... Tailback Chester Taylor didn't play after Forte departed and Marion Barber strained a calf. Are the Bears trying to keep him healthy for a potential trade? Or do they plan to release him and don't want an injury to force them into an injury settlement?

Local coverage: Williams on the interception, via Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com: "The second one, that's my fault, I still have to catch that one. I felt like it should have been a flag somewhere in there, but it's the NFL. I got past that one, and go to the next play." ... In that same post, Cutler called Bennett "just a football player" and added: "We need a couple more of those in the locker room." Hmmmm. ... The Bears offense had 239 yards and had converted five of seven third downs by halftime, notes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times. ... Coach Lovie Smith on why Taylor didn't play, via Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com: "We wanted to take a look at someone else tonight, in particular, Kahlil Bell. Kahlil hadn't gotten an opportunity to play much. We wanted to take a good look at him, [and] we were able to. I think he did a good job of taking advantage of the carries he got." ... The offensive line continues to improve, notes Dickerson. ... The Bears have only one fully dependable receiver at this point in Bennett, writes Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune. ... Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com isn't sweating the small stuff of the Bears' preseason.

Up next: Thursday against Cleveland Browns

In which we look ahead to NFC North preseason football over the next two days.

Green Bay Packers
Opponent: Indianapolis Colts
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
Day/Time: Friday/8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Coach Mike McCarthy estimated that starters will play midway through the second quarter. Although they could see extra time, it's not expected that McCarthy will bring them out for the third quarter. ... Receiver/returner Randall Cobb (knees) and defensive end Mike Neal (knee) aren't expected to play. Receiver Greg Jennings (knee) could join them on the sideline. Running back James Starks (ankle) and linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) should return from a week off.
Focal point: I'm curious to track how the Packers' offense performs when it is not in the no-huddle. That alignment has given them most of their success in the preseason, but I'm assuming they won't be running it every play during the regular season. From a competition standpoint, it's worth keeping a close eye on how tailback Ryan Grant performs and if Starks picks up where he left off before the ankle injury. Could Starks lay claim to the starting job with a strong showing?

Chicago Bears
Opponent: Tennessee Titans
Location: LP Field
Day/Time: Saturday/8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Most starters will play at least a half. ... Receiver Sam Hurd (ankle), linebacker Lance Briggs (knee) and defensive tackle Anthony Adams (calf) have been ruled out. Tight end Kellen Davis (back) could miss the game, while cornerback Zack Bowman (concussion) appears likely to resume playing.
Focal point: The Bears' current offensive line configuration could lock itself into a Week 1 assignment with a solid outing that builds off last week's performance against the New York Giants. On the other hand, receiver Roy Williams needs to make a few catches in order to assure the Bears he is worthy of the starting job they handed him in training camp. Like most NFL teams, the Bears would like to see their offense produce a few touchdown drives before the preseason is over. Finally, I would like to see the Bears' defensive line rotation start shaking itself out. It's not clear at this point if they have a legitimate backup defensive end or if any of their two reclamation projects, Vernon Gholston and Amobi Okoye, will provide any help.

Detroit Lions
Opponent: New England Patriots
Location: Ford Field
Day/Time: Saturday/8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Starters will play around half of the game... Running back Jahvid Best (concussion) and Maurice Morris (hand) aren't expected to play, so the Lions are likely to start Jerome Harrison. Mike Bell, Aaron Brown and Stefan Logan will be available to rotate in. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (shoulder) is a strong candidate to sit out as well.
Focal point: The Lions' uncertain depth at running back will be on full display. By the end of the night, we should have an idea if they have someone capable of carrying a significant load while sharing the job with Best. On the other hand, fans might get their first look at rookie receiver Titus Young. Meanwhile, the countdown continues for the first preseason hit on quarterback Matthew Stafford. He told reporters this week: "You guys can ask all you want. I don't think about it. I just play football and whatever happens, happens."

Minnesota Vikings
Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
Location: Metrodome
Day/Time: Saturday/8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Some starters are expected to play into the third quarter. ... The Vikings have a long injury list. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring), linebacker Heath Farwell (hamstring), linebacker Jasper Brinkley (hip), tailback Toby Gerhart (ankle), defensive tackle Kevin Williams (foot) and cornerback Asher Allen (toe) are among those who won't play.
Focal point: The Vikings' first-team offense has produced three points this preseason and isn't likely to be on the field much in the preseason finale. So Saturday night is their best and last chance to build some momentum for the regular season. The offense hasn't appeared disorganized or confused. It just hasn't had much punch yet and its personality is far from defined. It would also be helpful if rookie Christian Ponder can establish himself as the No. 2 quarterback so the Vikings can free up Joe Webb to focus on the Wildcat and other unique packages.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

A few weeks ago, we noted how fortunate receiver Roy Williams feels to have landed with the Chicago Bears. He is in a potentially explosive offense with a strong-armed quarterback who has begged for a receiver just like him and an offensive coordinator who coaxed his best seasons in the mid-2000s.

But as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explains, Williams' transition hasn't gone as smoothly as everyone would have hoped. Cutler has noted that Williams is still "getting back into shape," apparently a reference to the physical condition Williams arrived to camp in, and Williams said their connection is a little more than halfway to where it needs to be.

Biggs writes that "it's premature to say there is a Cutler-to-Williams chemistry issue" but adds: "[I]t's not too early to wonder when they are going to hit it off. He's the big receiver -- 6 feet 3, 215 pounds -- Cutler has pined for but the connection isn't there yet."

I think everyone involved would like to see some progress along those lines in Monday night's preseason game against the New York Giants, to be televised by ESPN.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Bears linebacker Lance Briggs (leg) won't play Monday night, notes Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
• Jon Greenberg of ESPNChicago.com profiles Bears defensive tackle Amobi Okoye.
• Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times on Bears coach Lovie Smith: "Players come and go, games are won and lost, but Smith remains the same man: His words measured, his actions determined."
• The Green Bay Packers expect to have their top three cornerbacks available for Friday night's preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, notes the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Packers punter Tim Masthay is emerging as a potential long-term answer at the position, writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Packers right tackle Brian Bulaga knows what rookie guard/tackle Derek Sherrod is going through in his first training camp, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Some fringe wide receivers are getting the chance to make the Minnesota Vikings' final roster, writes Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune.
• Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder is working to get rid of the ball quicker after taking three sacks in his preseason debut last week, notes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• Tom Powers of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "There is, at least, a hint of promise in the air as Leslie Frazier runs his first Vikings camp. The players appear to like and respect him, which already puts him well ahead of his predecessor. And the best thing about Training Camp 2011 is that it is not Training Camp 2010, which was a prelude to a stressful, awful season."
• Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas has kept a low profile during training camp, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News considers the possibilities presented by a healthy Jahvid Best.
• The Lions' Twitter timeline is filled with photographs from the team's trip Friday to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here is one link to the jersey quarterback Matthew Stafford wore during his rookie season against the Cleveland Browns, when he threw the game-winning touchdown and two-point conversion with a separated left shoulder. The jersey was eventually cut off.

Reviewing Saturday's preseason action at Soldier Field:


Chicago Bears 10, Buffalo Bills 3

Preseason record: 1-0

Of interest: None of the anticipated drama for this game played out. Tailback Matt Forte played despite the lack of a contract extension, although it's worth noting he played one series and didn't get a carry. (He did make one catch.) Marion Barber ended up rushing for 45 yards on seven carries, and Chester Taylor had three yards on three carries. ... And by all accounts, the playing surface at Soldier Field held up despite some visible seams between the sod. The only issue: Longtime Chicago-area sportscaster Peggy Kusinski said she was told by security officials that no cell phone photos of the field were allowed. ... The first-team offensive line played the entire first half but gave up four sacks, including three to Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman, who gave left tackle J'Marcus Webb fits. I thought two of Merriman's sacks, against backup quarterback Caleb Hanie, came in part because Hanie held the ball. ... Defensive tackle Henry Melton flashed in the first quarter, getting into the backfield on three early plays. That's an encouraging sign. ... The Bears kicked off twice from the 30-yard line before, saying the NFL's new rule for kickoffs at the 35-yard line was optional. NFL officiating czar Carl Johnson was forced to call Soldier Field to tell them otherwise. Interesting but ultimately a meaningless attempt by the Bears. ... Finally, demoted receiver Johnny Knox made an a strong impression on special teams, reminding everyone how fast he is during a 70-yard kickoff return. He also returned two punts, but that job will go to Devin Hester in the regular season.

Local coverage: No one criticized the field, reports Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune. But quarterback Jay Cutler did say: "I don't know. It is what it is. I don't think it is going to change, so we just have to play on it." ... Knox, via Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times: "I know what I need to do -- just handle my business on the field and that's what I came to do. I'm just trying to make the best of it and make plays when I can." ... The Bears' offensive line needs more time together, writes Dan Pompei of the Tribune. ... New defensive lineman Amobi Okoye had two sacks, notes Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com.

Next: Aug. 22 at New York Giants (ESPN)

In this topsy-turvy post-lockout world, we have all assumed that the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) would be formally ratified by Thursday. In turn, all players who agreed to new contracts since last Monday would finally be allowed to begin practicing.

While there has been no formal announcement, it is by far a done deal that those players will be on the field Thursday -- especially for teams that have morning practices. Wednesday evening, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told The NFL Network that free agents might not be eligible to practice Thursday. As a result the Minnesota Vikings have pushed their main practice to a 4 p.m. ET start, hoping the CBA will be ratified by then.

In the NFC North, some big names have been standing on the sideline awaiting final ratification. I've included an extended, but not necessarily all-inclusive, list below. We'll keep you updated when and if final word comes down Wednesday night.

Chicago Bears: Defensive tackle Anthony Adams, running back Marion Barber, defensive end Vernon Gholston, cornerback Corey Graham, receiver Sam Hurd, linebacker Brian Iwuh, defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, punter Adam Podlesh, linebacker Nick Roach, tight end Matt Spaeth, center Chris Spencer, receiver Roy Williams

Detroit Lions: Receiver Rashied Davis, cornerback Chris Houston, place-kicker Dave Rayner, linebacker Justin Durant, quarterback Drew Stanton, linebacker Stephen Tulloch, cornerback Eric Wright

Green Bay Packers: Place-kicker Mason Crosby, tight end Spencer Havner, running back John Kuhn, receiver James Jones.

Minnesota Vikings: Safety Husain Abdullah, receiver Devin Aromashodu, nose tackle Remi Ayodele, receiver Bernard Berrian, receiver Michael Jenkins, offensive lineman Charlie Johnson, place-kicker Ryan Longwell, quarterback Donovan McNabb.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- So I walked out to Green Bay Packers practice Saturday at about 8 p.m. ET.

Over the next two hours or so, e-mails with these subject lines showed up on in my inbox:

• BEARS AGREE TO TERMS WITH AMOBI OKOYE
• BEARS AGREE TO TERMS WITH MARION BARBER
• AGENT: OLIN KREUTZ LIKELY LEAVING BEARS

Whew.

I'll post some Packers practice thoughts in a few minutes. (Promise.) But first, I think we have to address the growing spectacle emanating from a couple hundred miles southwest of here. The Chicago Bears have continued their flurry of free agent moves but have yet to address their biggest personnel weakness and apparently stand on the precipice of a crisis on their offensive line.

Our friends at ESPNChicago.com are reporting that Kreutz began informing Bears players this evening that he won't re-sign with the team. His agent, Mark Bartelstein, said: "It doesn't look like it's going to happen."

Let's make clear that stalled negotiations sometimes go public with claims more exaggerated than reality. And it's only fair to note that Kreutz obviously hasn't jumped to sign somewhere else yet. I am in no way ruling out the possibility of the Bears reaching a deal with Kreutz, especially if they have a few more practices marred by botched center-quarterback exchanges.

The truth is the sides have a few more days to work this out. Kreutz wouldn't be able to practice before Aug. 4 no matter where or when he signs. So there is nothing wrong with continuing this game of chicken, as long as the Bears are relatively sure they will eventually get their man. They know Kreutz better than anyone else. If they think he can still play, they will re-sign him. If they don't, they'll offer him a deal they don't think he'll accept. We'll know soon enough.

What's not clear is if the Bears have a true backup plan if in fact Kreutz moves on. Saturday, Roberto Garza and Chris Williams manned the position in practice. Edwin Williams, who can't practice until Aug. 4, would also have seen time there. None of those possibilities sound great to me. Do the Bears have a backup free agent plan in mind? That's a question we might not want to have answered.

Meanwhile, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Bears will pay Barber $5 million over two years. Barber has played six physical seasons and there is no telling how much he has left. Did the Bears sign him as a spot player behind starter Matt Forte and Chester Taylor? Do they plan to release Taylor, who is due a relatively modest $1.275 million this season? Those are questions the Bears will answer for us in the coming days.

I view the Okoye signing much as the decision to bring in defensive end Vernon Gholston. Once highly touted, Okoye now has the opportunity to play under one of the game's best defensive line gurus in Rod Marinelli - at no financial risk to the Bears.

It sounds like the Bears have had an interesting start to training camp. I can't wait to see what happens next.