What happened: New England heads to Soldier Field for an 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday kickoff against Chicago without Vera-Tucker and Brown, sidelined by hamstring and knee injuries. Cornerbacks Carlton Davis III, Karon Prunty and Channing Canada were also ruled out, while Chicago ruled out Kyle Monangai and Jack Sanborn.

Why it matters: Matt Pryor and Walter Rouse stepped in during last Sunday's 26-19 win over the New York Jets, with no sacks or penalties charged to the reshuffled front over the closing downs. The secondary stays thin with Davis missing a third straight game, leaving Charles Woods and Marcus Jones in expanded roles beside Christian Gonzalez.

What to watch: Morgan Moses is questionable after limited work, with rookie Caleb Lomu filling at right tackle opposite Will Campbell. New England faces a 4 p.m. ET Thursday deadline on a possible activation for swing tackle Marcus Bryant.