Thursday practice and injury notes

Surgery for Garza

Veteran guard Roberto Garza will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee and won't play Sunday.

Coach Lovie Smith would not speculate how long Garza might be sidelined. Garza's injury, however, is a factor in offensive line coach Mike Tice possibly moving left tackle Chris Williams to left guard.

Williams is just returning from a hamstring injury he suffered against the Cowboys on Sept. 19.

''Hopefully, we can get [Garza] back before long,'' Smith said. ''But right now, he has been trying to work through it. But we feel like it's not getting better and we need to get it taken care of, so we'll be doing that shortly.''
Jay won't change

Smith said Jay Cutler won't change the way he plays because of his concussion.
''Of course we let him play the way he normally plays,'' Smith said. ''As far as being careful, no, you can't play football being careful. You always trying to play smart ball. If there's a time for a quarterback to run out of bounds or slide, they'll do that. But you can't think about anything else.

''We're going to protect Jay better and hopefully our running game will help out some also, and let him just play his brand of ball.''

Bear necessities

Linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle), safety Major Wright (hamstring) and cornerback Charles Tillman (calf) did not practice Wednesday. Brian Urlacher's participation was limited because of a groin injury.
• Smith would not say if Todd Collins or Caleb Hanie would be the backup quarterback against the Seahawks on Sunday.

Injury update: Linebacker Lance Briggs sat out Wednesday's practice after spraining his left ankle at Carolina. Cornerback Charles Tillman (calf) and safety Major Wright (hamstring) also sat out, although Wright did some drills on a side field for the first time since suffering the injury in Week 2.

While tackle Chris Williams returned to full practice off a hamstring strain, guard Roberto Garza sat out awaiting arthroscopic knee surgery. Brian Urlacher (groin) was limited but doesn't anticipate it affecting his status for Sunday.

For the Seahawks, tight end John Carlson (non-injury related), defensive end Dexter Davis (hamstring) and cornerback Marcus Trufant (ankle) were all held out.

Downward movement: Quarterback Todd Collins was uncertain about his status before the start of Wednesday's practice, but the veteran watched Caleb Hanie work as the backup to starter Jay Cutler at the beginning of individual drills.

"You never want to take a demotion," Collins said. "The way the game went on Sunday, when I got replaced, it just wasn't my day."

Although the Bears beat the Panthers 23-6, Collins completed just 6 of 16 passes for 32 yards and four interceptions while recording a 6.2 passer rating. He was benched in favor of Hanie.

"At times, we didn't seem in sync," Collins said. "At other times, we had some opportunities to make some plays and I didn't have time to make the plays. It was really run-oriented, so I never seemed to get into a good rhythm."

Extra points: Bears players voted unanimously Wednesday to decertify the union if it comes to that in the battle with owners over a labor agreement. If the players decertify, it could put the antitrust exemption the NFL and its 32 teams have in jeopardy. … Kicker Robbie Gould was elected as the team's new NFLPA representative. Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer and receiver Rashied Davis will serve as alternates. … General manager Jerry Angelo told the team's Web site he does not anticipate making a trade before Tuesday's trade deadline. … Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck understands the biggest challenge facing his offensive line this weekend. "Julius Peppers is very similar to what we had to deal with in the preseason with Jared Allen," Hasselbeck said of the Bears' defensive end. "It can disrupt your whole game plan. You have to slide your line and put all the backs and tight ends on it. That's kind of our situation this week." … Cutler on whether he will visit with Seahawks offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, his former quarterbacks coach in Denver, before the game: "If I see him. I don't know if they come out before and throw or what he's up to. Yeah, if I see him, maybe.''

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Mike Tice Q&A


LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Peppered with several questions after news spread that Chris Williams could be moving inside to guard, offensive line Mike Tice displayed a little testiness Wednesday during his session with reporters at Halas Hall

Here’s a transcript of Tice’s interview:


Q: Why has it taken so long to try some of the things this team is doing, such as moving Chris Williams to left guard?

Well, we haven’t had Chris. I don’t know if you’ve been watching but Chris hasn’t been available for the last couple times, so we haven’t really moved him around. He was at left tackle.

Q: The point is he’s at guard right now, though, right?

Frank [Omiyale] went to left tackle when Chris got hurt. That’s my point. So I don’t know what you’re talking about. We haven’t moved Chris around at all. Chris has been hurt. OK. Right. So, what are you asking?

Q: Had you thought about Williams at guard in training camp?

No, not at all.

Q: Did he practice at guard today?

He took snaps at a couple spots, the reason being that we gave Roberto [Garza] the day off so we’re light again. We moved him around, didn’t give him too many snaps in a row; four at the most. I think at one point I lost count and he had five, but I didn’t want him to get fatigued and hurt his leg again. But he was in a couple different spots today.

Q: So there’s a chance he’s going to play guard moving forward?

There’s a chance he’s going to play. Where he’s going to play, we’ll determine that based on a couple of things.
Q: Can you talk about him as a guard and why he might fit there?

First of all, I think he’s one of our top five guys, and I’m going to try to find a way to get him on the field without disrupting some of the things that we’ve done to this point, and in the last week that was starting to establish some of the young guys, some of the young guys that we felt could help us moving forward. At the same time, a couple guys that are in the mix to move if we want to move Chris in certain spots have played OK. You don’t want to punish anybody. Our goal is to get five guys out there and establish some continuity. To this point, we haven’t had any continuity and that’s killed us a lot. Omiyale has played solid football for us. Like every guy playing left tackle, he has a glaring boo-boo. Like playing corner, it shines and everybody can see it and [say] ‘Oh, boy, he played like crap today.’ But in the scheme of things, Frank played pretty good football Sunday. Hopefully we’ll make the right decisions and get the right five guys in there, and have the right seven suited up so we can sustain injuries and move forward and gain some continuity. We haven’t been able to have that. So with Chris coming back, our chances of having that are pretty good right now.

What does Williams offer inside?

If, hypothetically, he was to go inside, he’s a great knee-bender. I would say that at this stage of his career, and he would probably disagree with me, I think he’s a better run blocker than he is a pass protector. I know he doesn’t want to hear that but I just evaluate the film and make a determination that way. I can’t do it any other way.

Did the line take a step forward in Carolina?

The key word I tried to tell you last week was ‘forward’ so you’re saying the same word that I said. When they move forward, they can take a step forward. If we can build on those things from Sunday and find a mixture, whatever that mixture is going to be. ... Certainly we’re not going to be a run-first football team. But if we can find the right mixture to help, gain some type of rhythm with those guys, it’s going to help.

I don't think Tice wanted to answer any questions, lol.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BearStuff

I don't think Tice wanted to answer any questions, lol.

---

Well its tough- because of the over-reaction that happens always and already happening. Insted of just being 'rational" and realizing williams one of the top O-line players, and with Garza having Surgery and not available for LG, and williams "working way back", so does in many ways make sense to put him at LG for a game for Garza, if worried about the hammy, because less movement at Guard over tackle. But 2nd does this, the "he's a bust", "he must suck" crap starts- So have to be real careful in what you say becuase of how it gets "spun' despite even sying

First of all, I think he’s one of our top five guys, and I’m going to try to find a way to get him on the field without disrupting some of the things that we’ve done to this point, and in the last week that was starting to establish some of the young guys, some of the young guys that we felt could help us moving forward. At the same time, a couple guys that are in the mix to move if we want to move Chris in certain spots have played OK. You don’t want to punish anybody.

Seattle practice notes:

Marshawn Lynch: 'I almost feel like a rookie again'

Seahawks fans and coaches are interested to see what running back Marshawn Lynch brings to the team this week when he debuts against the Chicago Bears. And they aren't alone.

Lynch himself is eager to see what's in store when he plays his first NFL game for someone other than the Buffalo Bills this Sunday.

Coach Pete Carroll hasn't yet named Lynch the starter in the 10 a.m. game at Chicago, but clearly he's going to get a lot of playing time and the chance to impact Seattle's struggling ground game.

"It's a real exciting time for me. I almost feel like a rookie all over again," Lynch said Wednesday. "Everybody is excited to see what I'm going to do and I'm also excited to see what I"m going to do myself. So it's a pretty intense time for me."

Lynch was acquired from the Bills during the bye week, which has allowed him a couple extra days to acclimate. He says former Cal teammate Justin Forsett has been "a real big help" in getting him up to speed along with fellow running backs Leon Washington and Michael Robinson.

His first test won't be an easy one, coming on the road against a Bears' defense ranked third in the NFL at stopping the run.

But true to his "Beast Mode" form, Lynch isn't intimidated.

"Line 'em up," he said of the Bears. "They prepare to play on Sunday just like me. And I'm pretty sure they have the same kind of feeling with us coming to town. I have much respect for those guys, but they've got to earn a paycheck too, you know?"

Since the Seahawks were off over the weekend, Lynch headed to Sacramento to see his younger brother, Davonte Lynch, play for Sheldon High.

He picked a good game to see as the 170-pound senior ran for 260 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries in a 32-30 victory.

"He had a beautiful day," Lynch said. "So I've got a price on my head now because every week he calls and said, 'I did this. What are you going to do?' But it was wonderful for me to get out there and see him because I hadn't seen him play since Pop Warner.

"It wasn't the same little brother I used to pick up and throw around the house, I can tell you that much. I think he's better than me. I can honestly say that. My senior year in high school, at this point in time I'd say he's better than me."

Carroll said he'll determine his running back starter later this week, but spoke glowingly of what Lynch brings to the table, calling him "an extraordinary athlete and great competitor" with great versatility.

"Now we're anxious to see how it fits together," Carroll said. "He's going to get a lot of work in this game. He's doing really well picking things up. They'll be much growth here in the next few weeks, but at this point he can play in the game plan."
How eager is Lynch to see how this week plays out?

"Just taking the time and bonding with these guys and seeing the type of relationship they had before I got here and throwing me in the mix and making me feel at home, it's just going to be a great opportunity for me to get in there and jell with these guys," he said. "Hopefully this week, that's what happens."

Deon Butler: 'Our meetings got quieter'

If you think things have changed in the Seahawks' wide receiver situation lately, imagine how Deon Butler feels.

The youngster who learned at the elbow of the outspoken duo of T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson last year and then vocal veteran Deion Branch this season suddenly finds the ability to hear himself think in receivers' meetings and his suddenly silent corner of the locker room.

Butler was anointed the new starting flanker by coach Pete Carroll on Wednesday, taking the place of Branch following his trade to New England.

True to form, the 23-year-old wasn't hooping and hollering about the promotion, instead taking it in stride and promising to take advantage of the opportunity. And no, he said, things aren't quite the same among Seattle's receiving corps.

"Our meetings got quieter, person by person," Butler said with a smile. "First it was Nate. Then when T.J. left it got a little quieter and Deion stepped up. Now Deion's gone and we have like a bunch of mutes in our wideout room. It's just going to be Coach Kippy Brown and the tape rolling. I think we're excited and everyone is learning. But there's not a lot of chatter going on in that room right now."

With 23 catches on his NFL resume now in 20 games over two seasons, Butler says he's ready to take the next step. But taking over as a team leader will be a gradual process.

"I definitely think all that comes from being on the field and making plays and then guys will start believing in you," said the former Penn State standout. "Then you can take the next step in being more vocal. That's definitely something I plan on doing, but first and foremost is taking it out on the field and letting guys know they can trust me."

Ben Obomanu, in his fifth year with the team, will also take up some of Branch's playing time at flanker, according to Carroll. Primarily a special teams contributor in the past, he's made three catches for 36 yards this season and has 18 receptions in his NFL career.

While Obomanu is another quiet presence, he's ready to take a more active role both on and off the field as well.
"It's a little different," he said of the new crew. "But we haven't had the chance yet to actually sit down and miss some of those personalities. We're still trying to get our offense on track, still trying to compete in the NFC West.
"It's been a little different because those guys all had their own personal jokes. You knew where they were going to sit and what they were going to say. But now other guys, we've got to step up in the room and make our voices known a little bit."

Mike Williams, the other starting receiver, has stepped into the void. So too has new addition Brandon Stokley, a 34-year-old veteran with Super Bowls on his resume and a history in offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates' system.
But the most important talking will be done on the field and Butler and Obomanu are both ready to make noise there.
"It's good," Butler said of his promotion. "Obviously you come here to play football. I've been working hard in practice so it feels good they're confident in me to slide me into that spot. Now I just have to go out and produce.
"Everyone started at this point sometime. Talking to those guys -- T.J., Deion -- they were backups and then at some point their time came. For me, right now, it's an opportunity that has presented itself."

Obomanu, who'll primarily back up Butler but can play any of the receiving positions, said he's been waiting for this sort of chance since arriving in Seattle as a seventh-round draft pick out of Auburn in 2006.

"I feel I've always had the ability and talent to play," he said. "It's just getting the opportunity. Some people get it their rookie year and some have to wait. But I've always been prepared to play. I'm prepared now.

"My preparation each year, each game, each week, is to be ready to step in and play a significant part if I'm called upon. So my mindset hasn't changed. I just welcome the opportunity and hopefully I can take it and run with it like I've been planning to do my whole career."

Um, today's thursday. lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Boochee Man

Um, today's thursday. lol

---

LOL not enough coffee and wishful thinking..lol j/k.. i tried changing title and can't.. hopefully a mod changes it.. or not

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dabears54

LOL not enough coffee and wishful thinking..lol j/k.. i tried changing title and can't.. hopefully a mod changes it.. or not

---

Dont worry, i predict another thread merge in your near future.