Thursday Practice Report: Seahawks Week

Alex Brown owns the Bears longest active streak of games played.

He is making every effort to make it 114-straight Sunday in Seattle despite a sprained left ankle. Brown has yet to practice, and head coach Lovie Smith said it is not mandatory to play Sunday.

“If Alex is ready to go Sunday, even if he hasn’t practiced this week, we’ll probably let him go.”

Tight end Desmond Clark (cracked rib), and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (sprained knee) missed another practice, but the Bears are significantly healthier than the ailing Seahawks.

“Our team is in pretty good shape,” said head coach Lovie Smith. “And those guys are getting better each day. Alex Brown should be able to go. Beyond that…NFC game on the road…hostile environment. You know a lot of things have happened to us playing at Lambeau, playing at Denver during the preseason game should help us get ready for this environment.”

TE Desmond Clark (rib) and LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) did not participate.  DT Israel Idonije (knee) was limited. Full participation for DT Tommie Harris (knee) and G Frank Omiyale (ankle).

Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck (fractured rib), FB Justin Griffith (knee), and LB Lofa Tatupu (hamstring) were absent Thursday. DT Brandon Mebane (calf) and CB Ken Lucas (groin) were limited.  LT Walter Jones (knee) and WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) did practice and are expected to play.

TOMMIE TALK
In two games, defensive tackle Tommie Harris has only one solo tackle and one tackle for loss.

According to teammate Anthony Adams that production does not reflect Harris’ preparation.

“I think he’s working on his weaknesses a lot more this year,” Adams said.  “I can see a difference in his approach to practice, to the games, to him doing what he needs to do off the field to take care of his body. I think he’s more focused.”

Adams is playing extremely well for the Bears at nose tackle.  He shares the team lead with Alex Brown with three tackles for loss.

“The window is closing for all of us…we really need to make a run at this thing. We have something special here…we got to make a run at this thing and now is the time and I think Tommie knows that.”

OTHER NUGGETS
• Pittsburgh safety Tyrone Carter hit with a $5,000 fine for hitting Bears TE Greg Olsen out of bounds last Sunday. It appeared that Carter led with his helmet.
• Jay Cutler’s first career start came against the Seahawks, December 3, 2006.  It was a tough debut.  Cutler was 10-of-22 for 143 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. He did throw a 71-yard touchdown to Brandon Marshall in what was a 23-20 Denver loss.
• DE Alex Browns is one sack shy of matching Jim Flanigan for fifth on the Bears’ career sack list.
• WR Johnny Knox tops all rookies with 152 yards receiving and is tied for the lead with eight catches.
• Seattle is second in the NFC in sacks since 2005 with 178. The Seahawks own seven sacks in the first two games this season.