Zackary Bowman will always remember his first NFL start.

“It’ll be a good challenge for us,” Bowman said. “That’s a very physical group. We just have go out there and play ball.”

Bowman’s return from a tight hamstring gives head coach Lovie Smith the starting pair at cornerback he envisioned when training camp started in late July.

“You know how I’ve been talking about Zack,” Smith said. “He’s been a good player throughout all of the off-season work.”

Few receivers have played tougher than Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes is emerging as a clutch play maker for the Steelers. Bowman and Charles Tillman will be tested.

Nick Roach moves into a starting role at linebacker replacing Pisa Tinoisamoa(right knee sprain), but he is expected to share snaps with Jamar Williams. Roach collected 38 tackles in nine starts last season. Williams excelled in training camp and is excited about earning playing time in a contract year.

The hole in the middle of the Bears defense created by the dislocated wrist suffered by Brian Urlacher, is plugged with veteran Hunter Hillenmeyer.

Bears Thursday Practice Review: Steelers Week

A right knee sprain that will likely take at least five weeks to heal, cost Trumaine McBride a roster spot. McBride was waived injured Thursday.

Tommie Harris and Al Afalava full practice…limited: Mark Anderson(toe), Danieal Manning(back),and Fran Omiyale(ankle).

Cornerback DeAngelo Smith joins the Bears on a waiver claim from Cleveland. Smith is 5-10 1/2 , 194 out of the University of Cincinnati drafted by the Cowboys in the 5th round this year, waived and claimed by Cleveland, who also waived him. Smith started 23 games at RCB and 5 at FS as a senior. In his college career, Smith had 12ints/2tds and also returned kicks and punts.

2nd year Zackary Bowman said he will start at RCB vs. the Steelers replacing Nathan Vasher.

Steelers receivers Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward combined for 17 catches and 234 yards in the win over the Titans.

Nick Roach starts in place of the injured Pisa Tinoisamoa(right knee sprain)

Pittsburgh starting inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons continues to battle a high ankle sprain he tweaked at practice Wednesday. He missed the opener.