Chicago Bears expect Henry Melton, Israel Idonije to play vs. Texans

Although both men suffered injuries in Sunday's 51-20 win over Tennessee, Chicago Bears defensive linemen Henry Melton and Israel Idonije are each not expected to miss the team's Week 10 game, according to a report by Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.

Melton was taken to the locker room early in the second quarter with a back injury, but eventually returned to finish the game with a half sack and a pair of tackles. The 26-year-old lineman believes that he definitely could have stayed on the field if needed however.

"We were blowing them out," Melton said, "I could’ve kept playing, but they were just taking precaution."

Also injured in the second quarter during an attempted tackle, Idonije was briefly forced to the sideline after tweaking his knee on a play where his leg was hit from multiple sides. The ninth-year pro admitted that he expects to be quite sore from the injury, but also does not believe he will miss any time.

"I got hit in the back of the legs, then hit forward, then hit back," Idonije said. "But I’m alright. The good thing is I was able to walk it off."

Both players eventually returned to the field after suffering their respective injuries, so it's not a total surprise the two defenders are expected to suit up for Week 11. Set to face an elite rushing attack led by Arian Foster, the Bears will absolutely need Melton and Idonije in top form next Sunday.