Sick bay: Jennings expected for AZ, Melton doubtful

December 21, 2012, 3:18 pm

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The Bears defense expects to have at least one of its linchpins back for the Arizona Cardinals, with cornerback Tim Jennings apparently over the shoulder dislocation suffered in the loss to Seattle.

But defensive tackle Henry Melton, who at least was able to practice on a limited basis, is listed as doubtful with the chest injury suffered in Minnesota.

And Brian Urlacher is likely to be joined on the sidelines by another linebacker as Blake Costanzo was forced to miss a full day of practice with an injured calf.

Starting right tackle Jonathan Scott, who did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, was limited because of the hamstring strain from last Sunday’s game against Green Bay. Scott is listed as questionable.
 
Costanzo is a double hit because of his leading role on special teams as well as starting last week against the Green Bay Packers, and playing well.

“[Costanzo] would be a loss [on special teams],” said coach Lovie Smith. "Not just that, he played a very good football game last week for his first start. So, yeah, if he wasn’t able to go, we would have to do a little bit of shuffling in a couple different areas.”

Jennings is a centerpiece of the pass defense, which this week needs to deal with Larry Fitzgerald, one of the game’s truly elite wide receivers.
 
The Cardinals have listed as “out" wide receiver Early Doucet (concussion) and guard Mike Gibson (calf). Doucet has started three games and played in 12 for the Cardinals, with 28 catches, none for touchdowns.
 
Arizona also listed four starters as questionable: tackle Nate Potter (ankle), linebacker Quentin Groves (foot), fullback Anthony Sherman (knee) and nose tackle Dan Williams (hamstring).

Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Tim Jennings, Henry Melton, early doucet