This is the November 17, 2012 news archive. View today's NFC North news and rumors.

NFC North News and Rumors

Matt Toeaina ruled out, Alshon Jeffrey probable for Bears

Curtis Crabtree, profootballtalk.com

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Matt Toeaina joins quarterback Jay Cutler and defensive end Shea McClellin as players officially ruled out for Monday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Toeaina was ruled out on Saturday after being unable to pr…

Associated Press, ESPN.com

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith practiced again on Saturday, however his availability is still uncertain for the game against the Chicago Bears.

Curtis Crabtree, profootballtalk.com

Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson is progressing from the Lisfranc foot sprain that forced him to be placed on injured reserve. According to Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com, Benson has been able to begin running on a treadmill that allows pl…

Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com

Lions safety Amari Spievey is done for the season because of a concussion, and given Spievey’s history, questions are already being raised about whether his career could be in jeopardy. The Lions announced today that they have placed Spievey on injured …

Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com

Raise your hand if you understand the Lions. OK, no hands. There might not be a more mystifying team in the league, as they present a series of indications they can be good, while consistently failing to get there. The Lions are one of three teams in th…

Isaac Rauch, deadspin.com

Mark Ditka, son of Mike, is currently awaiting trial in Lake County, Illinois for his fourth DUI arrest, and for possession of a controlled substance (hydrocodone) turned up during the ensuing search of his car. More »

ESPN.com

Reviewing the Minnesota Vikings at their bye: Record: 6-4 10-game capsule: The Vikings have outpaced external expectations and are in the NFC playoff race. There have been some ups and downs, a not-unexpected development for a team with the NFL's fifth-…