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Let's get inside our last Friday injury report of the 2012 season. Sniff, sniff…

Chicago Bears: Linebacker Brian Urlacher practiced for the first time since injuring his hamstring Dec. 2, but he was limited and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. It's more likely that Urlacher was beginning the process of returning for the playoffs if the Bears make it that far. The Bears listed tailback Matt Forte (ankle) as probable, but they also elevated running back Harvey Unga from the practice squad because backup Armando Allen is questionable because of a knee injury. Defensive lineman Henry Melton (chest) is questionable as well. Safety Chris Conte (hamstring) and linebacker Blake Costanzo (calf) are out.

Detroit Lions: Defensive lineman Sammie Hill (toe) is out of Sunday's game. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is out, but all other players should be available.

Green Bay Packers: Receiver Randall Cobb (ankle) returned to practice Friday in a limited fashion and is listed as questionable. Coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that Cobb looked good but that a decision on his status for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings hasn't been determined. Receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring) is probable, as is defensive linemen C.J. Wilson (knee) and Jerel Worthy (hamstring). Cornerback Davon House (shoulder/hip) is doubtful.

Minnesota Vikings: There appears a good chance the Vikings will have all 53 players on their roster available for Sunday. Defensive end Brian Robison (shoulder) is questionable but he practiced all week and appears on track to at least be in uniform, even if backup Everson Griffen takes the lead. Cornerback Antoine Winfield did not practice this week because of a broken hand and is listed as questionable. Winfield did some work on the sidelines Friday and seems set to play with padding on his hand.

We have the final injury report for Monday night's game at Soldier Field, and it indicates that one of the contestants will be thin at cornerback. The details:

Chicago Bears: Receiver Alshon Jeffery (hand) had already been ruled out of this game, and otherwise the Bears are healthy. The only player whose availability is in question is safety Sherrick McManis (hip). Receiver Devin Hester (quadriceps) and linebacker Blake Costanzo (thumb) are probable.

Detroit Lions: Cornerback Jacob Lacey (concussion) was ruled out and cornerback Bill Bentley (shoulder) is doubtful, which likely means the Lions' top three cornerbacks Monday night will be Chris Houston, rookie Jonte Green and the just-resigned Alphonso Smith. On paper, that's not a great matchup. We'll see if the Lions' front four can protect the secondary with a strong pass rush. The only other player whose availability is in question is defensive tackle Corey Williams (knee), who didn't practice Saturday and is listed as questionable. There is some hope he will be able to play a role Monday night, however.

Let's get inside the Friday injury report, which is actually a Thursday injury report for two of our teams because of their Monday night game:

Chicago Bears: Receiver Devin Hester (quadriceps) and linebacker Blake Costanzo (hand) returned to practice on a limited basis. Receiver Earl Bennett didn't practice because he is sick, but is expected to return Saturday. Defensive end Julius Peppers and linebacker Brian Urlacher sat out practice as their normal rest day.

Detroit Lions: Cornerback Jacob Lacey (concussion) was the only player who sat out of practice. Cornerback Bill Bentley (shoulder) was a limited participant. So was safety Louis Delmas (knee). Defensive lineman Corey Williams (knee) continued to be a limited participant and appears to have a decent chance of playing Monday night.

Green Bay Packers: Four players were ruled out of Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams, including nose tackle B.J. Raji (ankle), who participated in a portion of practice for the second consecutive day but is not ready to play in a game. Also ruled out were cornerback Sam Shields (shin), receiver Greg Jennings (groin) and linebacker Nick Perry (knee). Cornerback Davon House (shoulder) is probable and could provide depth in Shields' absence. Tight end Jermichael Finley (shoulder) practiced all week and is probable.

Minnesota Vikings: Running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) and defensive end Jared Allen (groin) returned to practice as full participants and will play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. The only player who won't be available is safety Mistral Raymond (ankle).

Let's take a look at Thursday's practice report in the NFC North:

Chicago Bears: Receiver Alshon Jeffery (hand), linebacker Blake Costanzo (thumb), receiver Devin Hester (quadriceps) and punter Adam Podlesh (excused) all missed practice Thursday. Jeffery has already been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Detroit Lions, but Costanzo is hoping to return to practice by the weekend. Hester's injury is also not expected to keep him from playing Monday.

Detroit Lions: As we noted earlier, cornerbacks Bill Bentley (shoulder) and Jacob Lacey (concussion) didn't practice, and it's not clear if either will be ready for Monday night's game. Safety Louis Delmas (knee) also sat out, but it is believed to be a rest day for a player who just returned to the lineup last week.

Green Bay Packers: Nose tackle B.J. Raji (knee) returned to practice on a limited basis. Coach Mike McCarthy said Raji will be re-evaluated Friday to determine his availability for Sunday's game at the St. Louis Rams. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (calf) was a full participant. Cornerback Sam Shields (calf) and linebacker Nick Perry (knee) both missed practice again.

Minnesota Vikings: Defensive end Jared Allen (groin) and tailback Adrian Peterson (ankle) both sat out practice Thursday, but coach Leslie Frazier said there is no concern about either player's availability for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Receiver Jerome Simpson was a full participant in practice and appears on track to play, and collect his $59,375, Sunday. Safety Mistral Raymond (foot) retuned to practice on a limited basis, and there is some hope the Vikings could get him back for their Nov. 4 game at the Seattle Seahawks. Finally, defensive lineman Everson Griffen will leave the team Thursday evening for the funeral of his mother, who died last week. Frazier said Griffen will be accompanied by general manager Rick Spielman and will return in time to play Sunday.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Two Green Bay Packers players suffered season-ending knee injuries in Sunday night's game at Reliant Stadium. A third appeared fortunate to have avoided the same. As we discussed in Monday's Free Head Exam, it's fair to wonder if the Packers would draw any connection between the injuries to linebacker D.J. Smith and running back Brandon Saine -- and the apparent near-miss of linebacker Nick Perry -- to the stadium's unique grass surface.

The field consists of grass on 1,250 portable trays and requires maintenance at the seams. As Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com points out, Packers coach Mike McCarthy didn't dismiss the injuries as coincidence.

"Their surface is definitely different," McCarthy said during a news conference. "It's something we've never played on before in my time here, so just the way it's brought into their seams just because of the design of it, for grass I thought it was hard. I'm not an expert on if that had any factor in the injuries."

Meanwhile, McCarthy was asked if the hit that caused Smith's injury was dirty. It occurred when Texans tackle Duane Brown blocked Smith away from the play from the side.

McCarthy: "It's something you obviously don't want to see happen. It's unfortunate. It was an avoidable. It probably depends on what side you’re coaching. I think the offensive lineman was trying to finish the play, the play was close to being over. They were behind the tackle. But it was an ugly play and D.J. suffered a serious injury."

We'll see if the NFL weighs in on that one.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Veteran linebacker A.J. Hawk will play a big role for the Packers moving forward, writes Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• The Packers faced a similar situation with multiple injured players in their run to the Super Bowl in 2010, notes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• In a radio interview, Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz did not rule out the possibility of activating running back Jahvid Best from the physically unable to perform list before a three-week window closes next month. Justin Rogers of Mlive.com explains.
• The Lions might have released veteran running back Kevin Smith if Best was cleared to practice, notes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• Lions rookie offensive lineman Riley Reiff is pushing for additional playing time, according to the Detroit Free Press.
• The Chicago Bears haven't forgotten their chippy game with the Lions at Soldier Field last season. Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com has more.
• Bears special-teams ace Blake Costanzo is planning to return to practice this week after having surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right hand, according to Adam L. Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder was inaccurate on 11 of his 17 incompletions Sunday against the Washington Redskins, according to film review from Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• Vikings receiver Jerome Simpson clearly wasn't happy to have been deactivated for Sunday's game against the Redskins and let it be known during a terse interview session Monday, according to Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune.
• Receiver Percy Harvin on his heavy workload, via Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "I'm a little sore. But no sorer than anybody else. I've got two days off. I'll be ready to go Wednesday."

 

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Chicago Bears

Key additions: Running back Michael Bush, linebacker/special teams Blake Costanzo, quarterback Jason Campbell, receiver Brandon Marshall (trade), receiver Devin Thomas, receiver/returner Eric Weems.

Key losses: Running back Marion Barber (retired), cornerback Zack Bowman, cornerback Corey Graham.

Come on back: Lost in the shuffle of the Marshall trade were the return of three free agents who should play key roles in 2012. Tight end Kellen Davis figures to get an expanded role in offensive coordinator Mike Tice's scheme, especially as a receiver. Cornerback Tim Jennings should retain his starting role opposite Charles Tillman, with D.J. Moore in the nickel. And safety Craig Steltz will provide reliable depth at safety and will be one of the Bears' special teams leaders after the departure of Graham and Bowman.

What's next: There is no urgency yet, but the Bears will need to make peace with tailback Matt Forte at some point before the summer. Forte isn't happy that he's been made the Bears' franchise player and briefly lost his public composure when Bush signed a deal that guaranteed him about the same amount of money as the franchise tag will pay Forte. It's not a big deal if Forte skips the Bears' offseason program or even misses a few days of training camp, but the Bears will want to find a way to eliminate this issue by early August. Meanwhile, it wouldn't be surprising if the Bears address their offensive line during the draft.

Detroit Lions

Key additions: Defensive end Everette Brown, cornerback Jacob Lacey.

Key losses: Cornerback Eric Wright.

All in the family: With the exception of Wright, the Lions were able to retain the core of their 10-6 team. Among those who re-signed: Tackle Jeff Backus, safety Erik Coleman, defensive end Andre Fluellen, quarterback Shaun Hill and linebacker Stephen Tulloch. And don't forget that receiver Calvin Johnson is locked up for perhaps the rest of his career. He signed a new eight-year contract worth $132 million.

What's next: The Lions appear interested in adding competition at safety, having hosted free agent O.J. Atogwe earlier this month. Adding a safety remains a possibility, if not through free agency, then probably through the draft. And while Backus is re-signed for two years, it wouldn't be surprising if the Lions look for a long-term replacement in the draft.

Green Bay Packers

Key additions: Defensive lineman Daniel Muir, center Jeff Saturday, defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove.

Key losses: Quarterback Matt Flynn, center Scott Wells.

Shocker: The Packers usually do whatever it takes to keep their own players and avoid having to search the free-agent market for other the castoffs of other teams. They started off that way by re-signing tight end Jermichael Finley to a two-year contract, but when they were unable to sign center Scott Wells, they quickly targeted veteran Jeff Saturday and made him their first starting-caliber free-agent signee in five years. General manager Ted Thompson also authorized the acquisition of Hargrove and the pursuit of Dave Tollefson.

What's next: It's not out of the question that the Packers will add a veteran pass-rusher, whether at defensive end or linebacker. Then they'll get back into their comfort zone and start preparing for the draft, where it's reasonable to think they'll use at least one of their 12 picks on a center while also continuing to pursue pass-rushers.

Minnesota Vikings

Key additions: Cornerback Zack Bowman, tight end John Carlson, running back Jerome Felton and offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz.

Key losses: Nose tackle Remi Ayodele (release), guards Anthony Herrera (release) and Steve Hutchinson (release), tight end Jim Kleinsasser (retire), running back Jerome Felton.

Methodical methodology: The Vikings made one big-money signing, bringing in Carlson as a new weapon for quarterback Christian Ponder, and otherwise have spent their offseason getting younger and signing complementary players. General manager Rick Spielman wants to end a cycle of seeking blue-chip players via free agency and instead count on the drafts for his difference-makers.

What's next: One way or the other, the Vikings need to find a deep threat for Ponder. The draft would seem the most likely place for that will happen. They are also midway through a rebuild of the secondary that could use at least one more cornerback and perhaps two safeties.

An editor we'll call "John" emailed Tuesday night with a simple subject line: "Bears = day 1 winner." And that was before the Chicago Bears signed one of the better special teams players on market, former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Blake Costanzo.

After watching the Bears wheel and deal for Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall and backup quarterback Jason Campbell, while also re-signing starting cornerback Tim Jennings, I would agree even if "John" weren't my boss.

If the goal of free agency is to improve your team, I'm not sure that anyone made more strides Tuesday than the Bears. They have some remaining issues to address, most notably at defensive end, but each of Tuesday's moves were a clear win.

It looks like that will be it for Tuesday. Let's do it all over on Wednesday, OK?