Lloyd is expected to play Sunday at Green Bay for the first time since spraining the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Sept. 28 -- a move that could leave Bennett out of action, something he's mostly used to, even in games in which he has been active. Months after discarding second-round pick Dan Bazuin and third-round pick Mike Okwo, the Bears have been hesitant to find playing time for Bennett, who has yet to make a reception.

He has been on the field for only a handful of offensive plays and simply hasn't had an opportunity to contribute for a group of wide receivers that has 79 receptions in nine games.

For the first time in the common draft, no wide receiver was drafted in the first round, but 10 were selected in the second round and Bennett was the next one chosen, 70th overall in the third round. Some, like Denver's Eddie Royal, Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson and Green Bay's Jordy Nelson, have emerged as playmakers. Bennett, the Southeastern Conference's all-time leading receiver after only three seasons at Vanderbilt, hasn't found a niche yet for a team that has notoriously struggled to develop wideouts. His contributions last week against the Tennessee Titans came on kickoff and punt returns.

''I get the opportunity to get out there and make some plays or help make some big plays,'' he said. ''I enjoy being out there.''

He said it's not a matter of being frustrated with his lack of action on offense, but of biding his time.

''Anytime I get the opportunity, I just have to be ready to take advantage of it,'' he said. ''Those guys got their opportunity, and they're taking advantage of it. Hopefully, I'll get the opportunity to go out there and show what I can do. I'm just continuing to work hard. My routes, knowing the plays, knowing how they are tied to the protection, all of that is getting a lot better. I'm trying to work on the little things fundamentally.''

Offensive coordinator Ron Turner said it's more a matter of feeling comfortable with the cast of receivers, including Rashied Davis, Devin Hester, Marty Booker and Lloyd. Davis leads with 28 catches for 333 yards (11.9 per catch), figures that tie him for 63rd and 65th, respectively, in the NFL.

''Earl's improving and he's getting better,'' Turner said. ''He can get in the mix. It's just a matter of right now the guys we have in there, we're pleased with. They're playing well. It's hard sometimes with the rotation. We have three guys rotating in there, and they're all playing well. But Earl is getting better and better. I can see it happening.''

General manager Jerry Angelo has gotten good production from other rookies, as running back Matt Forte and defensive tackle Marcus Harrison have filled roles as expected.

MOVIN' ON UP

Defensive end Ervin Baldwin was promoted to the active roster earlier in the week so the Kansas City Chiefs would not poach the seventh-round pick off the practice squad. Typically, only three ends are active for games, so the Michigan State product might not be involved Sunday. But he's ready if needed.

''I think I did [show them a lot during the summer], and that's why they kept me around, at least on the practice squad,'' he said. ''They wanted to be patient, and like I said before, I had a lot of great players in front of me and now is my time.''

It could create a spark for Mark Anderson, who has yet to record a sack this season.

Prime time?

The Bears are still scheduled to face the Minnesota Vikings on NBC's ''Sunday Night Football'' on Nov. 30 at the Metrodome. The NFL has until Tuesday to flex the game, but a source said the plan is for the Bears to remain in that spot. Of course, the outcome of the Bears-Packers and Vikings-Buccaneers games Sunday could impact a decision. Carolina at Green Bay, New Orleans at Tampa Bay and the New York Giants at Washington are other options.

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