Bears get starting corners Tillman, Vasher back

CHICAGO -- Chicago Bears cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher were active against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the first time in more than a month that both were available to start.

Left tackle Chris Williams, the 14th pick in the draft, also was available for the first time this season after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back during the preseason. The Bears were missing starting linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (right thumb) and receiver Brandon Lloyd (sprained knee), along with nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring).

Lions strong safety Dwight Smith (foot) missed his second straight game with a foot injury, and fullback Jerome Felton (ankle) was inactive.

Hillenmeyer had surgery after the Bears' 48-41 win over Minnesota two weeks ago, and Lloyd missed his fourth straight game.

Vasher was set to make his first appearance since Sept. 28 after missing the past three games, and he was listed as the starting right cornerback. Tillman sat out against Minnesota after leaving the Atlanta game on Oct. 12 with a left shoulder injury.