Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Given the Bears' lack of depth and experience at wide receiver, I was a little surprised that Dontrelle Inman wasn't active against the Saints. Do you think he will play when the Bears return from their bye and host the Packers next Sunday?
Stan B.
Bolingbrook, Illinois
I fully expect veteran receiver Dontrelle Inman to make his Bears debut next Sunday against the Packers. He'll have a full week to get ready for the game. The Bears opted not to activate him versus the Saints because he had only practiced once with the team last Friday after being acquired in a trade with the Chargers. Here's what John Fox had to say about why Inman didn't play in New Orleans and his future with the Bears: "I think mentally he's fine as far as knowing [the offense]. But to get full speed timing with a receiver, in particular with a young quarterback, we just didn't feel [that playing Inman against the Saints] was going to be the right thing to do. We've got plenty of time ahead of us and he'll definitely be part of our team going forward."
With Zach Miller injured, do you expect the Bears to promote tight end Ben Braunecker from the practice squad to the active roster?
Ryan S.
Michigan
I think there's a very good chance of that happening, especially now that Ben Braunecker has returned to practice after recovering from an injury that had sidelined the second-year pro for three weeks. With no game this weekend, the Bears don't have to make a roster move to replace Miller until late next week before they host the Packers. Here's what coach John Fox had to say about Braunecker this week: "He's been out for the last three weeks with an injury. Even though he was on the practice squad, he hasn't practiced a lot. The good news is he is healthy enough now and we'll see where that takes us as we adjust our roster going forward."
Does Jerrell Freeman's 10-game suspension begin immediately, or does it wait to start until he's healthy and able to play again?
Keith F.
Racine, Wisconsin
Linebacker Jerrell Freeman's 10-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs begins immediately. It includes the final eight games this season and then two additional contests either in the playoffs this year or at the start of next season. Freeman has been on injured reserve since tearing his pectoral muscle in the season opener, but with the suspension he now will be losing a huge chunk of his yearly salary.
