61.   Ross and rookie Armegis Spearman shared the role of replacing injured starting middle linebacker Brian Simmons most of the season.

62.   Starting middle linebacker Stephen Boyd left the game with a strained arch, defensive tackle Luther Elliss strained his groin and backup linebacker Andre Collins sprained an ankle.

63.   Smith, a starting linebacker, wore both of his Super Bowl rings to practice last week.

64.   Stevens is a freshman expected to challenge for a starting linebacker job.

65.   With starting linebackers Warrick Holdman and Brian Urlacher sidelined by injuries, the last thing the Chicago Bears needed was to lose another linebacker.