The Chicago Bears host the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday and for the first time this season, defensive tackle Nate Collins will be active, according to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.

Collins, in his third season in the league, was suspended for the first game of the season and had been inactive since. He played in 12 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.

Also inactive for the Bears are wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Dane Sanzenbacher, offensive lineman Edwin Williams, defensive lineman Matt Toeaina and Amobi Okoye, tight end Brody Eldridge and defensive tackle Cheta Ozougwu.

Inactive players for the Panthers: quarterback Jimmy Clausen, defensive linemen Antwan Applewhite and Thomas Keiser, offensive lineman Bruce Campbell, safety D.J. Campbell, wide receiver Joe Adams and defensive back James Dockery.

The Bears enter this game trying to improve on their 5-1 record. They are in first place in the NFC North standings, ahead of the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. Carolina is 1-5 after losing four straight games.