Bears running back Marion Barber practiced Wednesday and coach Lovie Smith said he is hopeful that Barber and wide receiver Sam Hurd will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans.
Both players missed last Sunday's 30-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field.
Barber has been out since suffering a calf injury in the third preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
''Good to get Marion Barber back on the field, as it was Sam Hurd,'' Smith said after practice Wednesday. ''Hopefully we'll have those guys available this week.''
Barber and Forte could have big games against the Saints. Ball control is likely to be crucial in this game, and the Bears' running game could be the big factor in a Bear victory. Containing Sproles and Brees is also a major factor. Let's hope Sprtoles never gets out of the end zone on Kickoffs and is forced to call for fair catches on punts. Brees is Brees and cannot be stopped cold, but if the Bears pressure him enough,he can make mistakes and be at least curtailed.