Third and one: Bears

...another backfield option while starter Matt Forte continues to struggle. Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackson split safeties Al Afalava and Danieal Manning for his 48-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. I know it...

No more excuses for Bears' defense

The Bears' defense came up short when the team needed it most.

First Quarter -- 13:34

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) is chased by Chicago Bears safety Al Afalava (24) and safety Danieal Manning (38) as he rushes for long yardage in the first quarter...

NFC North at night

Catching up on Monday's news around the NFC North: Chicago Bears: Safety Al Afalava (shoulder) was on the field for practice Monday, according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago. Meanwhile...

Health issues

...Despite Payne's absence, the health of the Bears secondary seems to be improving, as both Al Afalava (shoulder) and Zack Bowman (abdomen) were back on the field. Bowman, who also made an early...

Thoughts, observations on 49ers vs. Bears

...line of scrimmage. The overall performance came despite the absence of safeties Kevin Payne (back) and Al Afalava (shoulder). Veteran Josh Bullocks was forced into the starting lineup as a result. As Pirates4Vikings noted...

Positive note

...Josh Bullocks back at free safety. Smith had to do some line-up shuffling because both Al Afalava (shoulder) and Kevin Payne (back) were inactive. Injury update: Desmond Clark (neck), Bowman (abdomen), and Orlando...

Shake-up in secondary

Josh Bullocks will replace rookie Al Afalava at one of the Chicago Bears' safety spots for Thursday night's game against the San...

49ers WR Bruce sits out vs. Bears

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Isaac Bruce is inactive against the Chicago Bears with an ankle injury.

Niners' Bruce inactive; Crabtree in

San Francisco 49ers' Isaac Bruce is out vs. the Chicago Bears

Afalava out versus 49ers

...official inactive list isn't due until an hour before the game, Bears starting strong safety Al Afalava is out for Thursday night's matchup against the 49ers. Afalava missed practice all week after...

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 4: Defensive back Al Afalava #24 of the Chicago Bears runs back in pass coverage against the Detroit Lions at Soldier...

Shaky safeties

...a bit shaky for the Bears at safety Thursday night -- Kevin Payne (back) is out, and Al Afalava (shoulder) is questionable to face the Niners. The Bears really need Afalava to play, but the...

NFC North at night

...Payne (back) was ruled out of Thursday night's game at San Francisco and fellow safety Al Afalava (shoulder) is questionable. That could leave the Bears choosing between Craig Steltz and Josh Bullocks as...

Midseason Report: Bears

...receiver. He ranks third among NFL rookies with 28 receptions and fifth with 340 yards. Rookie Al Afalava, a sixth-round draft choice, emerged from training camp as a starting safety. But a shoulder...