The Sports Xchange

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Losing running back Jacquizz Rodgers to a season-ending fractured arm in Sunday’s game hurt the Bears in two different ways.

Rodgers had been a key member of the struggling coverage units and also provided relief for Matt Forte. He also had a knack for getting first downs in short yardage despite being smaller at 5-7, 196 pounds.

“I think he’s a guy who kind of surpassed probably our expectations and contributed on the field, whether it was on offense or in the kicking game,” Fox said. “He’s a guy that will be missed but over time he’ll get better and we’ll get him back in the future.”

As a result, Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey could get more carries. Fox said they’ll also look closely at Antone Smith, who was signed Monday.

–Quarterback Jay Cutler seems to finally be developing a game-day rapport with wide receiver Marquess Wilson, who has become a main target simply due to attrition. Wilson caught six passes for 85 yards Sunday. His role was vital late in the win over Arizona, too.

“We’re expected to make those plays,” Wilson said.

Wilson laughed off the thought he was a suitable replacement now for Alshon Jeffery, who hasn’t played since the opener due to a hamstring injury.

“I don’t think they were (like) his spectacular catches,” Wilson said. “But they were just catches.”

Wilson credited Cutler with an ideal throw on his touchdown catch which reduced the deficit to 17-12 in the fourth quarter.

“That was an amazing throw. He put it exactly where it needed to be right on the money,” Wilson said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen something like that. He threw that before I even got out of my break. It was just a matter if the ball was going to get there or not. But, it was a phenomenal throw.”

–Notes: RB Antone Smith was signed after the Bears placed Jacquizz Rodgers on injured reserve with an arm injury. Smith, who is 5-9, 192 pounds, rushed 29 times for 286 yards and four touchdowns in 59 games over five seasons with Atlanta. He also had 15 catches for 232 yards but was mainly known for special teams play. … ILB Shea McClellin suffered a knee injury and left the game. His status will be updated on Wednesday. … C Hroniss Grasu got the start at center against Kansas City. The 2015 third-round draft pick seemed to be fitting into the role at practice last week, but a knee injury to backup guard Patrick Omameh made it easy for coaches to keep Matt Slauson at his regular position of left guard, which meant Grasu had to start. Grasu will go forward now as the replacement for Will Montgomery.