by Sports Xchange

Beekman started vs. the 49ers and in the previous two games at left guard, in place of Frank Omiyale, who started the first six games. But Omiyale was in the game for the final possession, which consisted of 11 pass plays.

"We just liked Frank's ability to pass block," coach Lovie Smith said. "We were in a different mindset there at the end of the game when we had to pass the football. We like Frank a little bit more in that situation."

Beekman said he practiced with the starters on Monday but declined to speculate beyond that.

"Coach (Smith has) the final say," Beekman said. "So we'll see what happens and just come out and improve and get better."

Beekman's blocking helped spring Matt Forte for a total of 68 yards on two screen plays, but he's had trouble dealing with bigger tackles.

"I watched the tape, and I just have to do a little better battling big guys," Beekman said. "Olin (Kreutz) showed me some techniques (Monday) of (how to handle) bull rushing and things like that, and I was just working on that and getting better. That's my job.

"I had pluses and minuses (Thursday), but the ultimate job is to go out there and have no minuses, be like the Pro Bowlers that I play next to. That's the goal."

Beekman plays between six-time Pro Bowler Kreutz and seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace.

PLAYER NOTES

--QB Jay Cutler has thrown 15 of his league-worst 17 interceptions on the road and just two picks in four games at Soldier Field, where the Bears play host to the Eagles Sunday night.

--WR Devin Aromashodu had his first catch of the season last week and could remain in the rotation this week.

--RB Matt Forte has six receptions of 20 yards or longer, the most in the NFL among running backs. He had three last week.

--WR-PR Devin Hester has an NFL-best 28 punt returns of 20 yards or longer since 2006, but he has just three of them this season.

GAME PLAN: Especially with Brian Westbrook (concussion) out, the Bears are not nearly as concerned with the run as they are with keeping QB Donovan McNabb and big-play WR DeSean Jackson under wraps. The Bears have already been burned by go-to wideouts such as the Lions' Calvin Johnson (eight catches, 133 yards), the Bengals' Chad Ochocinco (10 catches, 118 yards, two touchdowns) and the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (nine catches, 123 yards, two touchdowns). Their best all-around corner, Charles Tillman, does not match up well with the ultra quick Jackson.

Despite Lovie Smith's insistence that, "We get off the bus running," the Bears are 30th in rushing attempts and 30th in rushing yards per game. Still, they would like to find a way to take some of the burden off QB Jay Cutler, who has tossed 17 interceptions, including 11 in prime time. If they fail again to get a ground game established, the Bears may look to hit the blitzing Eagles with screen passes, which was their most effective weapon last week in the loss to the 39ers. Forte had pickups of 37 and 31 yards on screen plays.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Bears QB Jay Cutler, who leads the NFL with 17 interceptions, vs. Eagles CBs Asante Samuel, who has five picks, and Sheldon Brown, who has four.

Bears LG Josh Beekman, who was benched near the end of last week's game in favor of Frank Omiyale, vs. Eagles DRT Brodrick Bunkley.

Bears LT Orlando Pace, who has struggled with speed rushers this year, vs. Eagles DRE Trent Cole, who's tied for third in the NFC with 7.5 sacks.

INJURY IMPACT:

--C Olin Kreutz (back) practiced Thursday without limitation and will start his 112th consecutive game Sunday night barring any unforeseen setbacks.

--TE Desmond Clark (back), the Bears' best blocker at the position, has not practiced at all this week and appears doubtful for Sunday.

--DT Tommie Harris (knee), who had his first sack of the season last week, went through a full practice Thursday and will start Sunday.