McKie has been listed as questionable for the game, and the team could be in a tough spot trying to run against the Williams Wall (defensive tackles Kevin and Pat) without him. He has paved the way for running back Matt Forte's 916 yards this season -- the sixth-best total in the league. Tight end Desmond Clark also is questionable with a sprained right knee, and with the wide receivers failing to produce the last three weeks, the offense might not be able to line up tight end Greg Olsen in the backfield more than usual. That's not his strength, either.

One option is promoting fullback Jason Davis from the practice squad. Davis was re-signed Monday after spending three weeks on the Oakland Raiders' 53-man roster. He was with the Bears as a member of the practice squad for the first eight weeks of the season.

''Aside from those three weeks, I've been here the whole time, so I could fill in if I'm needed,'' Davis said. ''I have enough of a grasp of the offense to play. I've been taking notes, and J-Mac has been helping me out.''

The club has to promote Davis by this afternoon for him to be eligible. Cornerback Nathan Vasher could be placed on injured reserve to create a spot or the team could cut a player who otherwise would be inactive with an eye toward re-signing him next week.