Hillenmeyer and Dvoracek Out for Minicamp

The Bears announced on their Web site today that veteran linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (hand) and defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek (torn right biceps) will be sidelined during mini camp this week.

Dusty Dvoracek has been unable to stay healthy for the Bears in his two seasons.

Dusty will be entering his final year of his contract, and knows he needs to stay healthy for not only the Bears, but also for himself.

Hunter Hillenmeyer will most likely be competing with Nick Roach for the starting outside linebacker spot, who was recently resigned.

If, Hillenmeyer can't win expect him to find himself on special teams.

Nick Roach started nine games last season and recorded 38 tackles.

The Bears are really high on Roach a former Northwestern standout.

I expect Roach to win this battle because he just looks more athletic than Hunter Hillenmeyer, who has started 86 games, making 294 tackles in six seasons with the Bears.

Bears tender offers to exclusive rights free agents Roach, Hamilton

The Bears have sent contract tenders to exclusive rights free agents Nick Roach (above) and Marcus Hamilton, NFL sources confirmed.

Roach started nine games at strong-side linebacker and finished with 40 tackles including a season-high eight in the final game at Houston.

Roach is expected to enter minicamp atop the depth chart at the position although he will be pushed by seven-year veteran Hunter Hillenmeyer, 28.

Hillenmeyer has made 56 career starts but fell out of favor.

Hamilton appeared in eight games last season, primarily on special teams, after the cornerback was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bears picked up Nick Roach on waivers from the San Diego Chargers in 2007.

Entering his third season, Nick Roach will earn the minimum, $460,000.

The Bears' moves are ahead of Thursday's deadline to tender exclusive rights free agents.

(AP)

Injury Report for Sunday's Game

Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye's sprained right shoulder and nose tackle Anthony Adams' sore right toe didn't keep them from practicing Friday, and both are expected to play.

Hopefully Adams will play like he did last season, where he was pretty solid at nose tackle.

Also, Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (Achilles') is probable.

Once again, Jason Davis will fill in for the injured Jason McKie, who will likely miss Thursday's game against the Saints too.

Davis on the FB dive on Sunday night against the Vikings:

"Last Sunday's not the first time we've run a dive and gotten stopped," Davis said. "You're talking about running against arguably the two best defensive tackles in our conference [in Pat and Kevin Williams].

"Yes, too much was made about that play. It didn't come down to one play."

Wednesday's injury update

Fullback Jason McKie (quad), nose tackle Anthony Adams (foot), linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (Achilles') and defensive end Adewale Ogunleye (shoulder) were held out of Wednesday's practice.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris, safety Mike Brown, and center Olin Kreutz rested.

Orton Update

Kyle Orton was on the practice field for the second consecutive day as his right ankle continues to heal.

The ankle was wrapped, and the Bears' starting quarterback didn't run during warm-ups.

Orton's role in practice was expected to be limited, and no announcement was expected regarding his availability for Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) and cornerback Charles Tillman (shoulder) were limited as well.

Backup tackle Fred Miller sat out nursing a sore shoulder.

Safety Mike Brown, defensive tackle Tommie Harris and center Olin Kreutz were back at practice after a day of rest.

Running back Kevin Jones was back as well after missing Wednesday for personal reasons.

Mike Brown, Kyle Orton sit out Wednesday's practice

Safety Mike Brown (calf) joined quarterback Kyle Orton (ankle) on the sideline Wednesday, sitting out practice.

Also out were receiver Marty Booker, cornerback Charles Tillman and defensive lineman Tommie Harris.

I don't think Charles Tillman was healthy enough to play last week, but we really need him this week.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) was limited.

Luckily, Receiver Brandon Lloyd (knee) and nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring) had full participation.

Vasher back at full practice

Cornebacks Nathan Vasher (wrist) and Charles Tillman (shoulder) and receiver Marty Booker (knee) had full participation in practice Thursday, one day after being limited.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) returned to practice in a limited role after missing Wednesday's session.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer continues to be limited coming off right thumb surgery. He is not expected to play Sunday vs. Detroit.

Look for Nick Roach and Jamar Williams to get a lot of playing time this Sunday.

Punter Brad Maynard was also limited in Thursday's practice.

Bears' Hillenmeyer could miss Lions game with a hand injury

• A Chicago Bears Source says LB Hillenmeyer had surgery and CB Vasher is still day-to-day.

Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher remained sidelined Monday, nearly four weeks after surgery on his right wrist, and now strong-side linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is out with a hand injury.

Vasher sat out during a short workout at Halas Hall, as did Hillenmeyer, who had surgery last week on his thumb, a source close to the player said.

There is no timetable for his return, and he has not been ruled out for Sunday's game against Detroit.

Vasher how you doin?

''I'm doing good, still just going day-to-day, and hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to see.''

Lovie Smith had this to say about Vasher's starting job:

''Each snap you're earning a job, you have to do something to say that you deserve to be out on the field. Nathan Vasher is a good player. A lot has been said about him and is he starting and all of this. Nate's one of our guys. He's going to help us win a lot of games around here.''

Vasher seems upset at reporters:

''Are you guys starting something?" "Oh, my gosh. It's the middle of the season. I don't know what you guys are talking about. You tell me. I'm always content with whatever my role is on the team. I just want the team to win.''

Since Hillenmeyer might not play, Nick Roach and Jamar Williams practiced with the first team and worked with coach Lloyd Lee worked for 20 minutes after practice.

Hey Brandon Lloyd you gonna play this weekend?

''I don't know. I'm not going to play unless I am 100 percent.''

Other important injury updates:

Nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring) returned to practice after sitting out two weeks. Cornerback Charles Tillman (shoulders), wide receiver Marty Booker and defensive tackle Tommie Harris (left knee) sat out.