Bears' Sterling Weatherford: Not suiting up New Year's Day

Weatherford (illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Weatherford was able to partake in two out of Chicago's three practices this week in a limited fashion due to an illness, but it's since been determined that the 23-year-old won't be available Sunday versus Detroit. Given that he's primarily operated as a special-teams contributor this year, his absence shouldn't greatly alter the Bears' defensive game plan.