The Chicago Bears (7-7) already have an uphill battle, taking on the NFL's best record in the Green Bay Packers (13-1), but their current injury report likely makes the task all the greater. According the Bears' official injury report, several key contributors may miss Sunday's Week 16 game:
Out
- QB Jay Cutler
- RB Matt Forte
Doubtful
- RB Marion Barber
Questionable
- LB Lance Briggs
- WR Devin Hester
- DT Henry Melton
The Bears, winless since Jay Cutler broke his thumb, will unsurprisingly still be without the services of their top two offensive contributors, Cutler and Forte. However, even their depth is starting to whittle away as RB Marion Barber, the starting halfback in place of Forte, is currently listed as doubtful.
Chicago has already named third-string running back Khalil Bell as the starter for Sunday's game, so even if Barber's injury has improved, the veteran back's carries may well be quite limited. Meanwhile, All-Pro linebacker Lance Briggs -- who has not missed a start this year -- is questionable.
WR Devin Hester is also continuing to heal from an ankle injury that has limited both his touches and productivity over the last few weeks. Hester leads the NFL with an 18.5 yards per punt return average this season.
At the same time, the Bears are looking for a healthy return from DT Henry Melton, who has a nifty 7.0 sacks in 2011 and returned to practice on Thursday.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this week's game, visit Bears Blog Windy City Gridiron and Packers blog Acme Packing Company. For more from around the NFL, head over to SB Nation's NFL news hub.