At least Bears second-year right tackle Gabe Carimi took this week's benching better than left guard Chilo Rachal did. While Rachal left the team and was placed on the reserve/left squad list, Carimi stayed around, telling reporters: "I'll come back from this. I'm just inconsistent right now." Actually, with seven sacks, nine quarterback hits and 28 pressures allowed in 10 games, Carimi has been very consistent.

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The Lions have had a heck of a time convincing receiver Titus Young that it's time to grow up. Maybe showing him that he's expendable will help. With Young sidelined for "insubordination," eight Lions players combined for 441 yards and two touchdowns receiving in Thursday's 34-31 overtime loss to the Texans. Rookie receiver Ryan Broyles had six catches for 126 yards.

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Packers receiver Greg Jennings appears to be on pace to return next week when the Packers play the Vikings at Lambeau Field. Jennings, who had surgery to repair a sports hernia just three weeks ago, returned to practice this week. He did individual work on Wednesday and took part in team drills on Thursday. Like most teams dealing with longer-term injuries, the Packers typically wait an extra game after a player has returned to practice.