>> Bears QB Cutler Calls For Change

The Chicago Bears' quarterback says it's getting more difficult to maintain faith in the system with the offense struggling and the hits on him piling up. Cutler was running for cover again in Monday's 24-13 loss at Detroit, and he sounds like a man who might be running out of patience.

He said "yeah" when asked Wednesday if it was tough to stay confident in the offense run by coordinator Mike Martz. But he added that the Bears "have to believe more and we've really got to work on it."

With Jared Allen staring at a shaky line, Cutler could be in for another long night against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

>> Bears Hope To Have Peppers Against Vikings

The Chicago Bears hope to have Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers available this week against Minnesota after he mildly sprained his left knee.

Peppers was injured in the first half of Monday's loss at Detroit and briefly left the game.

Coach Lovie Smith says the knee was "still sore" Wednesday, but he will "hopefully" be able to practice Friday and play this week. Smith also says defensive tackle Matt Toeaina also suffered a knee injury against the Lions and that defensive end Corey Wootton will hopefully be available. He missed the first three games with a knee injury and sat out Monday with a broken hand.