After enjoying a week away from football, the Chicago Bears return to Soldier Field on Sunday to face the New Orleans Saints (5-1) in what will be a great measuring stick for how good this team actually is.
Quarterback Mitch Trubisky (shoulder) is expected to make his return to the starting lineup and should have his complete cast of skill players around him, including wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, who returned to practice this week after missing the last two games with a concussion. And while right guard Kyle Long (hip) won't play another snap this season, Chicago's offensive line may actually enjoy an uptick in play with Rashaad Coward getting his shot.
The defense won't be as lucky, however. Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks will miss at least the next eight games while he recovers from a dislocated elbow and while the rest of the starting 11 appears ready to go, Hicks' void will be almost impossible to fill. It's a bad week to be without him, too. The Saints feature one of the NFL's most efficient offenses, and assuming running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) plays, he and all-world wide receiver Michael Thomas are arguably the best combination of skill players the Bears have faced all season.
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So how will all this impact the outcome? You'll have to tune in to find out. And here's how you can watch, listen and stream the game:
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Game Information
New Orleans Saints (5-1) vs. Chicago Bears (3-2)
NFL
Date: Sunday, October 20
Time: 3:25 p.m. CST
Location: Soldier Field | Chicago, Ill
TV: FOX
NBC Sports Chicago Coverage
Football Aftershow at the conclusion of the game
Announcers
Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman
Stream
Radio
WBBM 780 (Chicago) and 105.9 FM
Satellite Radio
Bears feed: XM 226
Saints feed: XM 383
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