Bears starting strongside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa has been ruled out for Sunday's game, coach Lovie Smith said today.
Nick Roach, who left last Sunday's game with a back injury, will start instead. It will be Roach's third start of the season, but he started 15 games last season and nine in 2008.
Roach's presence will be important because the New England Patriots boast two of the best pair of tight ends in the NFL, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, who have combined for 10 receiving touchdowns.
Yeah, those tight ends are nasty. Gronkowski is a powerhouse once he gets going. Finesse is the best approach becauise wrestling for the ball is likely to prove a big mistake. Peanut should tackle about the ankles and forget about stripping on those two. A hard shot or two by Briggs or Urlacher would be in order to give those guys a little fear of footsteps. They are likely to be big in the game plan, but a good pressure on Brady could lead to a tipped interception or fumble.