>>Bears' Tillman Wins Weekly Award

(New York, NY)  --  Bears cornerback Charles Tillman was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week yesterday for Week Five.  Tillman racked up four tackles and had 36-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Bears' 41-3 rout of Jacksonville last Sunday.  The defense held the Jaguars to just 189 total net yards.  The Bears have their bye this week and will return to action at home against Detroit on Monday, October 22nd.

>>Bears Not Talking Extension With Smith

General manager Phil Emery says the Chicago Bears have not discussed a contract extension with coach Lovie Smith.

Emery said Wednesday there are simply "not enough hours in a day" during the season and that he prefers to negotiate during the offseason.

Smith's contract doesn't expire until after the 2013 season. The Bears are in a good spot heading into their off week with a 4-1 record and a share of the NFC North lead with Minnesota.
 
>>Packers Place RB Benson On IR

(Green Bay, WI)  --  Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson has been placed on the injured reserve designated to return list.  Benson injured his foot during Sunday's loss to the Colts.  He was expected to miss Sunday night's game against the Texans, but now won't be eligible to practice for six weeks and can't play for eight weeks.  The earliest Benson can return to game action is December 2nd against Minnesota.  In five games this year, Benson has 248 yards rushing and one touchdown.

>>Steelers Take On Titans On Thursday Night Football

(Nashville, TN)  --  The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Nashville for a Thursday night showdown with the struggling Tennessee Titans.  The Steelers rallied for a 16-14 win over the Eagles in Week Five, evening their record at 2-and-2.  Pittsburgh has had a tough time on the road this season, losing 31-19 at Denver to open the year and falling 34-31 in Oakland in Week Three.  The Titans, meanwhile, have lost two in-a-row, including a 30-7 rout by the Vikings in Minnesota.  Matt Hasselbeck will start again this week in place of Jake Locker, who will miss his second straight game with a shoulder injury.  Hasselbeck threw for 200 yards, a touchdown and an interception against Minnesota.  The Steelers have won three straight in the series, including a 38-17 home victory in Week Five last season.