LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The Chicago Bears will be without starting left tackle Jermon Bushrod and defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff for Sunday's game at Carolina.

Bushrod suffered ankle and knee injuries in practice this week. Ratliff is recovering from a concussion from the Week 2 win at San Francisco.

Bushrod's absence likely means reserve Michael Ola will shift from starting left guard to Bushrod's spot at left tackle, with Matt Slauson returning to left guard. Slauson practiced all week for the first time since he left Chicago's season-opening loss to Buffalo with an ankle injury, but is questionable for the matchup with the Panthers.

"We've moved 'em around this week but the hope is that Matt'll be playing and Mike will be at left tackle," coach Marc Trestman said Friday.

Starting centre Roberto Garza (ankle) could replace backup Brian de la Puente, who has played since Week 1, but that is less certain. Garza is listed as doubtful.

The Bears likely will have defensive end Jared Allen back from pneumonia after he missed last week's game with Green Bay. Allen is probable, although he said earlier this week he lost 15 pounds and needed to regain strength.

"He looks like he's gained a lot of energy this week," Trestman said. "I mean his energy's been high.

"Hopefully the loss of weight won't debilitate him too much in the game, but we'll just see how it goes. It's good to have him back, he's certainly practiced during the week and he's going to play. That's a good thing for all of us."

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall has practiced all week after fighting through an ankle injury the past few games, and said he's closer to 100 per cent.

"Now I feel like I can do pretty much everything, but before I couldn't jog without pain," Marshall said.

Safety Ahmad Dixon (hamstring) and linebacker Shea McClellin (hand) also have been ruled out for the Panthers game. Defensive back Sherrick McManis (quad) is doubtful.