Three days after their disappointing 27-21 loss to the Titans, the Bears return to the practice field Wednesday to begin preparing for Sunday's home game against the 49ers.
The injury-ravaged Bears (2-9) are off to their worst start since they were 1-10 in 1997 and remain the only NFL team that has yet to score at least 24 points in a game this season. They've dropped three games in a row for the third time this year.
Running back Jordan Howard is averaging 5.1 yards per carry this season.
The 49ers (1-10) have lost 10 straight after blanking the Rams 28-0 in their season opener. They are led by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has passed for 1,440 yards with 10 touchdowns, three interceptions and an 87.0 passer rating. He has also rushed for 373 yards and one TD on 46 carries.
The Bears trail the all-time series with the 49ers 32-30-1 but have won four of the last six. The Bears lost the last meeting 26-20 in overtime last Dec. 6 at Soldier Field. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert tied the score 20-20 with a 44-yard touchdown run with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter and won the game with a 71-yard TD pass to Torrey Smith in overtime. Kicker Robbie Gould missed a 36-yard field goal attempt on the final play of regulation that would have given the Bears the win.
Entering Week 13, the Bears rank 16th in the NFL in offense (21st in rushing and 15th passing) and 11th in defense (18th against the run and 12th versus the pass). The 49ers rank 28th in offense (4th rushing and 30th passing) and 32nd in defense (32nd versus the run and 15th versus the pass).
ChicagoBears.com will provide all the latest news throughout the week from Halas Hall. Coach John Fox will address the media Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and special-teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers will be available Wednesday, while offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains will speak Thursday.
