Good news for Bears running back Matt Forte: Minnesota will be missing the key to their rush defense Monday night.
Pat Williams was among the Vikings inactives announced for the game against the Bears. His absence is a surprise despite being listed as questionable with an elbow injury. The Vikings may be playing it safe with the playoffs near. Jimmy Kennedy will start.
Also out for Minnesota: wideout Jaymar Johnson, cornerback Karl Paymah, tight end Garrett Mills, linebacker J Leman, center Jon Cooper, defense end Jayme Mitchell and Sage Rosenfels.
For the Bears, Devin Hester will miss another game with a calf injury. He reportedly did some light work on the field, but won’t play. Safeties Kevin Payne and Al Afalava are also out for Chicago. Bears punter Brad Maynard will play, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Also out: Richmond McGee, Juaquin Iglesias, Lance Louis, Matt Toeaina, and James Marten. Iglesias hasn’t played all year.
Mark Anderson will start for Adewale Ogunleye. $5 million left tackle Orlando Pace will be the team’s “swing tackle,” according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.