The defense has survived, so far, the loss of six-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and less serious injuries to linebackers Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) and Hunter Hillenmeyer (ribs) that temporarily knocked them out of the starting lineup.

"I'm pleased with how the linebackers have stepped up," coach Lovie Smith said. "I mean, how many teams can go to their third middle linebacker (Nick Roach) and keep things running smoothly. Nick Roach has played well, I'm proud of Jamar Williams, Hunter Hillenmeyer, all of the guys that have had to step up."

Urlacher was initially replaced by Hillenmeyer, until he was hurt in Week 3, which forced Roach into the middle. Roach fist filled in for Tinoisamoa at strong-side linebacker, starting on the first series of the first game. When he slid over to the middle, Williams moved in on the strong side.

That should make the defense even stronger when it gets back close to full strength. Even though this year's bye is early, it should allow Tinoisamoa and Hillenmeyer to return at full speed for the Falcons game on Oct. 18, so it comes at an advantageous time.

PLAYER NOTES

--WR/RS Devin Hester is seventh in the NFL with a 10.3-yard punt-return average, a major improvement from last year's 6.2-yard aberration.

--P Brad Maynard has dropped nine of his 18 punts inside the 20 and is ninth in the NFL with a net average of 40.9 yards.

--QB Jay Cutler is No. 6 in the NFL in fourth-quarter passer rating at 111.5.

--RB Adrian Peterson did not practice Wednesday and may not be available for the Bears' next game, Oct. 18 against the Falcons, meaning the Bears would probably have to sign another running back to help Garrett Wolfe with the backup duties.

--RB Garrett Wolfe, the only healthy backup to Matt Forte, has 45 yards on 11 carries and two catches for 12 yards.

INJURY IMPACT
Among many veterans sitting out Wednesday's practice were DEs Alex Brown (knee) and Adewale Ogunleye, WR Devin Hester (shoulder), RBs Matt Forte (knee) and Adrian Peterson (knee), LBs Lance Briggs (foot) and Hunter Hillenmeyer (ribs), S Kevin Payne, DTs Tommie Harris (knee) and Israel Idonije and OG Frank Omiyale (ankle).

LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) and wide receiver Johnny Knox (shin) practiced.

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