Tice still confident in 28th-ranked run

Bears offensive line coach Mike Tice is confident the run offense will come around, but he's not making any apologies for the slow start.
''As we get going, we'll get the run going,'' Tice said. ''There's been times where we've started out slow with the pass, and you pick it up as you get going. But the main thing is winning games. Whatever it takes.''
The Bears' offense is ranked fifth in the NFL, and the Jay Cutler-led passing nfl jersey
game is third behind the Colts and Cowboys. But the Bears' run offense is tied for 28th, and they are averaging 2.8 yards per carry.
Tice said he was encouraged in training camp when they focused on certain run packages: ''The run game is timing.''
ESPN analyst Ron Gasworks has concerns about the Bears' offensive line (''If they get better, it could be a hell of a team,'' he said) but added that running back Matt Forte is going to be a key to the Mike Martz offense.
''Mike has always been a master at creating matches,'' Gasworks said. ''They'll be a good screen team.''
Borrowing a phrase from ESPN broadcast partner Jon Gurdon, Colts jersey
Gasworks said, ''Forte is the joker, the moving part of the offense,'' adding that Forte is especially dangerous when he's split out wide as a receiver.
WRIGHT SIDELINED
Rookie Major Wright is expected out three to four weeks with what is believed to be a second-degree hamstring strain.
On a punt return against the Cowboys on Sunday, Wright hustled from the middle of the field toward the left sideline, attempting to prevent Dees Bryant's 62-yard touchdown. But he pulled up and struggled to walk back to the sideline.
Meanwhile, left tackle Chris Williams did not practice because of a hamstring injury, but the Bears are hopeful he can recover and play Monday night against the Packers.
If he's unable to play, the Bears would start the way they finished Sunday's win against the Cowboys: with Frank Moyle at left tackle and Kevin Shaffer at right tackle.
''We'll evaluate as the week progresses, to make sure we have the right guys, as best we can, in the spots, and ... keep the quarterback clean,'' Tice said.
Linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle) did not practice. Defensive end Israel Iodine and linebackers Nick Roach and Brian With were limited.
HELPING HAND
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is thankful that Cutler has Cowboys jersey
helped his younger brother Jordan at Vanderbilt, where Cutler starred. Jordan transferred there after leading Butte Junior College to a national title.
''He's a guy who has been great to my little brother,'' Rodgers said. ''As a big brother, that's much appreciated the way he's made my little brother feel comfortable down there and helped him kind of get the lay of the land down there in Nashville. That's only helped to strengthen our friendship.''