In the big picture,

They hope to keep it that way.

A healthy team in November and December is usually a team in the playoff hunt.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer did not practice Monday. A rib injury in Seattle in week three, led to Nick Roach moving to middle line backer against Detroit in week four. Roach played very well.

The Bears are thin at running back. Adrian Peterson is likely out with a right MCL strain. Matt Forte and Garrett Wolfe are the only healthy backs on the 53-man roster. UCLA rookie free agent Kahlil Bell is on the practice squad.

“We have options,” said head coach Lovie Smith. “We have guys here right now and there’s a lot of other players that are out there available.”
Defensive lineman Israel Idonije missed practice after his left knee was scoped last week. He still could be available Sunday in Atlanta.

Receiver Devin Hester practiced after suffering a neck strain in the first half against Detroit. He will be ready for the Falcons.

Viewing the Falcons
Several Bears watched on television as the Falcons destroyed the 49ers 45-10 Sunday. Atlanta left an impression.

“They have a lot of weapons,” said linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. “They do so many things it’s kind of tough to get a good bead on them. There not like other teams. With them anything goes.”

Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye is impressed with second year Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

“After our game last year, he kind of became a veteran. He’s been on fire since then. He’s got a lot of poise. He gets the ball out of his hands and he’s directing that team in the right direction. We definitely got our hands full with him.”

Ryan is completing 67-percent of his passes and has a 102.9 quarterback rating. Ryan has been sacked only twice in 125 pass attempts.

His top weapon is receiver Roddy White. He leads the team with 329 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He went 90-yards for a score on the 49ers.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez has a catch in 135-straight games. He is second on the team with 19 catches and two touchdowns this season, his first in Atlanta.

North Chicago product Michael Turner leads the Atlanta running game. However, he is averaging only 3.7 yards-per carry. Turner does have five touchdowns.