MINNEAPOLIS -- The Chicago Bears released their list of inactives for Sunday's NFC North showdown against the Minnesota Vikings, and the lone surprise comes in starting defensive tackle Stephen Paea, who was officially listed as questionable.
A second-year veteran, Paea missed practice time in the week leading up to the game because of a foot injury. It's likely that veteran Nate Collins will start in Paea's place. Another option is veteran Matt Toeaina, who has been inactive for all but two games as he's battled a calf injury all season.
As expected, the Bears listed linebacker Brian Urlacher among the inactives because he's expected to miss the rest of the regular season because of a hamstring injury.
Other Bears inactives include receivers Earl Bennett and Dane Sanzenbacher. Bennett suffered a concussion last week in the team's loss to Seattle, and it's been the Bears' custom to hold out players for at least a game when they suffer such an injury. The Bears also listed quarterback Josh McCown among the inactives, as well as Tim Jennings, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury.
Veteran guard Chris Spencer practiced the majority of the week in a limited capacity, but the team made him among the inactives as well. That means the Bears will go with Gabe Carimi and Edwin Williams as the starting guards.
Vikings inactives include quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, cornerback Brandon Burton, linebacker Audie Cole, guard Mark Asper, tight end Allen Reisner, and defensive end D'Aundre Reed.
