The injury report wasn`t nearly as ominous-sounding Monday as it had been in previous weeks. Offensive linemen Jim Covert (bruised hip), Jay Hilgenberg (sprained ankle) and Mark Bortz (pinched nerve in the neck) are expected to heal in time for Saturday`s regular-season finale against Kansas City.
Wide receiver Glen Kozlowski suffered a partly dislocated shoulder and is questionable for the game. If he can`t go, backup Tom Waddle will assume his role.
Linebackers Ron Rivera (sprained knee), John Roper (pulled hamstring) and Ron Cox (ankle and knee sprains), who weren`t in uniform Sunday for the Buccaneers, are not expected back until the playoffs. Running back Neal Anderson, also in street clothes Sunday, is expected to return this week from his fractured rib. Fullback Brad Muster suffered a bruised abdomen Sunday but will play against the Chiefs.
Career day: Muster had the most productive game of his three-year career against Tampa Bay with 143 total yards from scrimmage-93 receiving and 50 rushing. The receiving yardage was a personal best, achieved on just five catches. Included in that was a career-long 47-yarder.
Farewell: This will be defensive tackle Dan Hampton`s final regular-season game, as he is retiring after 12 seasons and 157 games. The Bears are planning a simple ceremony for Hampton either at Saturday`s game or before the first playoff game, which will be Hampton`s final Soldier Field appearance. Hampton has indicated he doesn`t want a fancy farewell.
Run, Johnny, run: Rookie punt returner Johnny Bailey`s 36-yard runback in the first quarter was the club`s longest since Dennis McKinnon returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown at Tampa Bay on Oct. 7, 1987-three years and 55 games ago.
Passing marks: Although quarterback Mike Tomczak was booed on occasion Sunday, he combined with Peter Tom Willis to rack up 261 passing yards, the most by the Bears this season. Previously, Jim Harbaugh threw for 248 yards against the Rams. Wendell Davis caught six passes for 88 yards, including one for an 18-yard touchdown. Davis is the only receiver to have caught TD passes from all three quarterbacks.
Chief priority: The Bears have nothing to gain from Saturday`s game, but the Chiefs have a lot to lose. They are battling the Raiders for the AFC West title and a first-round playoff bye. If Kansas City beats the Bears and Los Angeles loses to San Diego, the two will wind up with 11-5 records. The Chiefs have beaten the Raiders twice, so they would be AFC West champs and gain a week of rest.
The 10-5 Chiefs haven`t won 11 games in a season since 1969, the year they won Super Bowl IX. The Chiefs are looking for a sweep of the NFC Central. They`ve defeated the Vikings 24-21, the Packers 17-3 and the Lions 43-24.