D.J.

Moore

Corey Graham and Zack Bowman are options to see increased snaps this week. The Bears typically play nickel about 50 percent of the time, but expect to use the package more against Philip Rivers.

Nickelback Moore suffered a serious ankle sprain in practice this week. Corey Graham is expected to fill in against the Bolts. Anthony Adams is starting at nose tackle with Toeaina out.

Coach Lovie Smith didn’t provide a timetable for Jennings, but it certainly has the look of a multi-week injury. His arm is in a sling this week. Veteran Kelvin Hayden is expected to move into the starting lineup with D.J. Moore activated to handle nickel duties. Jennings has been Pro Football Focus’ No. 7 cornerback through 12 games.

Moore was benched last season, falling behind nickel corner Kelvin Hayden. With defensive backs coach Jon Hoke still in town, it’s unlikely the new regime will change its tune. Moore is our No. 38 corner available in free agency.

Moore will not be re-signed. He was demoted to the fourth corner in 2012 and was even a healthy inactive for a couple of contests. Moore does have playmaking ability, with ten interceptions over the last three seasons.

Moore was demoted to the Bears’ fourth corner in 2012 and was told earlier this week that he won’t be re-signed. The Panthers have one of the worst cap situations in the NFL, so they’ll be targeting second-tier free agents like Moore.

The ball-hawking four-year veteran was the Bears’ nickel back for most of the past three seasons, but was demoted late in 2012. He should serve in the same capacity in Carolina. Moore’s signing likely means Captain Munnerlyn will be allowed to walk in free agency. In the slot since 2010, Moore has notched 118 tackles and 10 interceptions over his past 42 games.

Moore could be a replacement for Captain Munnerlyn at nickel back. A feisty slot corner with playmaking ability, Moore turns 26 years old in four days.

Moore suffered the knee injury early in the second half, but managed to stay in the game. It’s another blow to a Panthers secondary that lost Charles Godfrey (Achilles) and Josh Thomas (concussion) on Sunday. Josh Norman also briefly exited with a thigh injury and could miss practice time this week.

Moore suffered a sprained knee ligament in Sunday’s loss to the Bills. The Panthers are hoping he can return following their Week 4 bye.