Good news has been in short supply in Chicago this preseason. But the Bears' $91.5 million man could change that Sunday against the Lions at Soldier Field. Julius Peppers, the 6-7, 283-pound defensive end, had two sacks and looked dominant at times during the preseason. Like most players, he also has a good history against the Lions, having compiled seven sacks and four forced fumbles in four games as a member of the Panthers.
"Expectations are out of this world when it comes to Pep," middle linebacker Brian Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune.
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Lions fans will learn more about newcomer Landon Johnson on Sunday. The seventh-year pro will start in place of injured DeAndre Levy (groin) at middle linebacker. It's a position that has given the Lions fits this preseason, and now Johnson gets a crack at it. Johnson, a third-round pick of the Bengals in 2004, has 56 career starts, but only three the past two seasons in Carolina.
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The Packers apparently will catch the Eagles at full strength physically. Philly didn't list a single player on its injury report, which is odd in the NFL. The Packers listed 11 players, but it appears no starter on the 53-man roster will miss the game.
