Shea McClellin, Jeremiah Ratliff out for Bears game vs Jets

The Chicago Bears will be without three opening day starters on defense for Monday night’s game at the New York Jets as Shea McClellin and Jeremiah Ratliff have been ruled out, joining Charles Tillman to the walking wounded.

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Tillman was already out after he was placed on injured reserve with a torn triceps suffered in the Week 2 game at the San Francisco 49ers where Ratliff also was hurt when he was diagnosed with a concussion.

Ratliff is still working his way through the concussion protocol and will not start at defensive tackle for the 1-1 Bears so rookies Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton will see increased playing time after their snap counts increased from Week 1 to Week 2.

McClellin was injured during Thursday’s practice when he felt a crack in his hand and will now need to get a cast, according to Chicago Tribune Bears reporter Dan Wiederer.

Shea McClellin said he heard a crack in his right hand Thurs. at practice. Will need to get a cast. He's out for Monday night.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) September 20, 2014

With McClellin out of the lineup, Jonathan Bostic will start at the Sam linebacker position and it is possible we see Christian Jones get his most work yet after the undrafted free agent has been on teh active roster over former fourth round pick Khaseem Green through the first two weeks.

The Jets have the No. 1 ranked rushing offense through two games so losing two starters off the front seven could spell trouble for Mel Tucker’s defense on Monday night unless the rookies perform admirably and Bostic steps up his game.

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