Bears DT Harris will miss first start in 45 games

[ramsbruce]

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Chicago defensive tackle Tommie Harris will miss the first game of his three year NFL career on Monday night when the Bears play at St. Louis.

Harris suffered a sprained left knee in last Sunday's victory against Minnesota and, while the injury is not as severe as originally feared, it will snap his streak of 44 consecutive appearances. Compounding the knee injury is a strained left hamstring, an injury that wasn't originally noted until the Bears issued their injury report on Wednesday afternoon.

It is expected that six-year veteran Alfonso Boone will replace Harris at the "under" tackle position in the starting lineup.

Neither the team nor Harris has elaborated about the knee injury, but the suspicion is that the standout tackle suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament. Such injuries do not require surgery but typically take two to four weeks to heal.

Coach Lovie Smith announced earlier this week that Harris' knee injury is not season-ending. But with the best record in the NFC and likely to have home-field advantage through the playoffs, Chicago might err on the side of caution and keep Harris out of the lineup until the postseason. Certainly the accompanying hamstring injury complicates the issue.

Harris was injured early in the third quarter of Sunday's victory over Minnesota when he tackled Vikings tailback Chester Taylor. He was taken from the field on a cart and was on crutches after the game. Several Vikings players said Harris told them he feared he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that would have sidelined him for the balance of the season.

An MRI exam on Monday, however, revealed the more benign sprained knee ligament.

The team's first-round choice in the 2004 draft, Harris has started in all but one of his 44 appearances. The former Oklahoma star has 103 tackles, 11½ sacks, three passes defensed, three forced fumbles and three recoveries. In 12 games this season, Harris has 28 tackles, five sacks and one pass defensed.

A dominating interior force early in the season, Harris posted five sacks in his first four outings but has gone eight games without a sack.

[RealRam]

Hey, every bit helps! Granted Harris is a HUGE bit.

We've had our hands full at the OL and even though it is neither wise nor fair to rely on an opponent's fallen player, this comes as a tiny glimmer of hope for the overall picture of this game against Da Bears.

Thanks for the report, RBruce.

[laram0]

Hey, every bit helps! Granted Harris is a HUGE bit.

We've had our hands full at the OL and even though it is neither wise nor fair to rely on an opponent's fallen player, this comes as a tiny glimmer of hope for the overall picture of this game against Da Bears.

Thanks for the report, RBruce.

Sorry, I'm not buying that this will help. We lost twice to the Seahawks minus key players including starting QB and RB

[RealRam]

Yes, I know, L.A.

It's unfortunate and sad that we have not been able to take advantage of those situations as you mentioned, whether injured starters or rookie players (Arizona's QB last week).

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[Rambi]

Who is this Harris guy? Does it matter to us that he is out?

[RealRam]

Rambi, Tommie Harris is just a starting DT for the Bears that is doing very, very well and is part of their excellent defense. Here's what is said about this young man in the Bears website:

"Explosive and ferocious defensive tackle has quickly developed into one of the most productive players at his position in just 2 seasons in the NFL...

To answer your question though and to echo what LARAM0 stated, no, it may not matter at all to us that he's injured and out for this MNF game. On the other hand, it may make our running game a little more successful.

Wishful thinking...

BTW, Welcome to the Clan!

[Rambi]

Thanks 4 the info RealRam and thanks 4 the Welcome.

I should stop by more often. You guys are SO smart about football and you know SO much about the Rams. I don't understand half the things that get discussed in here. This is a GREAT place.

Rams Rock!!

[RAM-BO]

Alfonso Boone, 4 sacks Vs. St. Louis.