Bears, Giants Square Off Tonight, NFL, College Roundups

Giants, Bears Battle At Soldier Field

(Chicago, IL) -- The reeling New York Giants go up against the suddenly reeling Chicago Bears in this week's Thursday night game at Soldier Field. The Giants fell to 0-5 with a 36-21 home loss to the Eagles this past Sunday. It's their worst start since the strike season of 1987. The Giants haven't lost their first six games of a season since starting 0-9 in 1976. Giants quarterback Eli Manning says the Bears' defense excels at taking the ball away.

The G-Men have won four straight in Chicago, with the last coming in 2007. Manning has thrown 12 interceptions in five games thus far.  The Bears are looking to avoid a third straight loss. Chicago has dropped back-to-back games to the Lions and Saints since starting the season 3-0. The Bears defensive line is depleted, having lost both Nate Collins and Henry Melton to season-ending ACL injuries.

The Chicago Bears are moving on without defensive tackle Nate Collins. The team placed the 25-year-old Virginia product on injured reserve yesterday after he tore his ACL in Sunday's loss to the Saints. Chicago in turn called up DT Christian Tupou to the active roster. Fellow defensive lineman Stephen Paea is listed as questionable for tonight's game against the Giants after missing practice yesterday.

Bears wideout Brandon Marshall is "going green" for tonight's game against the Giants by wearing lime green shoes to promote awareness for mental illness. ESPN says the NFL will fine Marshall if he does wear the cleats on the field. Marshall said he would double the fine for charity.

Rams Injury Report

(Earth City, MO) -- Rams running back Zac Stacy ended up on the official injury report from Wednesday's practice. Stacy did not practice with a chest injury but head coach Jeff Fisher says it was soreness and Stacy was taking a day off. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan and tackle Rodger Saffold also did not practice due to injury.

Big Game For Missouri, Illini Off

(Columbia, MO) -- Missouri is at seventh-ranked Georgia on Saturday at noon Eastern. The Tigers look to stay undefeated after starting the season 5-0. The Bulldogs rolled Mizzou 41-20 last season in Columbia. Meanwhile, Illinois is off until October 19th when it hosts Wisconsin.

NFL Considering Expanding Playoffs In 2015

(Washington, DC  -- The NFL is considering adding two more playoff teams in 2015.  NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the competition committee will make it a priority to examine the issue next year. If playoff expansion is eventually approved, it would not take effect until 2015 due to scheduling logistics.

Falcons' Jones Out For Rest Of Season

(Atlanta, GA) -- The season is over for Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones. The league's leading pass catcher will have season-ending surgery on his injured right foot next week.  The third-year wideout suffered the injury in Monday night's loss to the Jets. Jones has 41 receptions and is second in the NFL with 580 yards this season. The Falcons are off to a 1-4 start this year.

49ers' Smith Faces Felony Weapons Charges

(Santa Clara, CA) -- Problems continue to stack up for 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith. He's already facing DUI charges, and now NBCBayArea.com reports prosecutors in Santa Clara County have filed three felony charges for possession of assault weapons. The 24-year-old Smith and ex 49ers tight end Delanie Walker have been named in the two lawsuits filed by alleged victims of a shooting that happened in June of 2012.

Thursday, October 10 Schedule (All Times Central)

NFL

7:25 p.m. - New York Giants at Chicago Bears

NCAA Football  ("USA Today" Top-25 Poll)

6:30 p.m. - #8 Louisville Cardinals host Rutgers Scarlet Knights