Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa underwent what coach Lovie Smith described as a "minor scope" on his sore right knee. How long he will be sidelined remains to be seen, which could be a concern since backup linebacker Nick Roach also left Sunday's 24-20 win over the Lions with a hip injury and did not return.

"He needed a scope," Bears coach Lovie Smith said when asked if Tinoisamoa underwent the procedure so he would have time to recover before the playoffs. "No more than that. If a player needs to get something fixed, that's all we take into consideration. He needed it done right now. He had been trying to play through the pain."

Rod Wilson filled in for Tinoisamoa and Roach against the Lions and may continue to do so if neither linebacker is available for Sunday's game against the Patriots at Soldier Field. It's also possible Brian Iwuh could get some playing time. Iwuh filled in capably when weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs missed the Seahawks game earlier this season with an ankle injury.

Depending on the severity of the injuries, the Bears may also look to sign a linebacker for depth.

"Rod knows all three linebacker positions," safety Chris Harris said. "Rod is a very good player. Me and Rod came in the same year in '05. He's a very smart football player. He knows what's going on and is capable of playing all three positions. We'll be fine."