DT Ratliff expected to make Bears' debut

Chicago Bears coach Marc Trestman said Thursday that he expects defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff to play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

Ratliff, who announced that he prefers to be known as Jeremiah instead of Jay, has not played in more than a year because of a groin injury. He was released by the Dallas Cowboys and picked up by the Bears earlier this season.

Trestman said that Ratliff is "in line to go" after practicing on Thursday.

"We hope that he'll do what we've seen him do in practice," Trestman said. "The little he's been in there he's holding the point. He's getting a (pass) rush. He hasn't played for a while so we don't have high expectations right now, but we certainly see the light and we're hoping we get a little bit out of him and it might be Sunday."

Also, defensive tackle Stephen Paea practiced Thursday after missing two games with a toe injury.

Having Ratliff and Paea in the fold should help a Bears run defense that faces Vikings running back Adrian Peterson on Sunday. Chicago has given up at least 123 rushing yards in each of the last six games.