Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Which injured player who returned to practice this week has been missed by the Bears the most?
Pete G.
Schaumburg, Illinois
I would have to say nose tackle Eddie Goldman, primarily because he appears to be a talented ascending player and the Bears don't really have another player at his position who fits the defense as well as he does. Goldman's presence in the middle of the defensive line is important in terms of his ability to stop the run and collapse the pocket. The Bears have also missed cornerback Bryce Callahan mostly because there's a significant drop-off behind him on the depth chart. It certainly will be a huge positive to get Pro Bowl guards Kyle Long and Josh Sitton back on the field, but replacements Eric Kush and Ted Larsen performed well in the Halloween night victory over the Vikings' No. 1-ranked defense.
Going back to the Vikings game, I was wondering when was the last time three different tight ends caught a pass in a game for the Bears.
Mark O.
Taipei, Taiwan
The Bears had three tight ends catch passes in their Halloween night win over the Vikings for the first time since Nov. 11, 2012 when Matt Spaeth (3 catches for 4 yards), Kyle Adams (1-9) and Kellen Davis (1-6) accomplished the feat in a 13-6 loss to the Texans at Soldier Field. Against the Vikings, Zach Miller had seven receptions for 88 yards, Logan Paulsen caught one pass for five yards and rookie Ben Braunecker had his first NFL reception, an eight-yarder.
It seems like the Bears are never able to build on their momentum. What is their record in games immediately following a win over the past few seasons?
Dennis A.
Wheaton, Illinois
The Bears haven't won back-to-back games since last Nov. 9 and 15 when they beat the Chargers and Rams, both on the road. Here are their records over the last four seasons in games immediately following a win: 3-5 in 2013, 2-3 in 2014, 2-4 in 2015 and 0-1 in 2016. Their longest winning streak during that span was when they opened 3-0 in 2013.
