D-line shuffle

Defensive end Darrion Scott had just three tackles and no starts in four games before suffering a season-ending broken foot during Monday's practice, but his absence will be felt on the defensive line.

"It's a big loss because he gave us the ability to do some things roster-wise because he played multiple positions for us," defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. "So you lose that flexibility in your defensive line."

Frazier said Scott's absence puts a premium on the other linemen to be good at what they're doing.

It also could open the door for defensive end Erasmus James to get his first playing time of the season in Sunday's game at Chicago after spending the first four games on the inactive list.

"He's close. He's very close," Frazier said of James, who hasn't played in a game since tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament last Sept. 17 against Carolina. "What happens (in practice) this week will probably determine whether he's on the field or not."

Defensive tackle Fred Evans could also see his playing time increase Sunday after being inactive for the last three games.

"This is the week we want him to take that giant step," Frazier said. "We need him this weekend."