• Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (Idaho State) missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a torn labrum in his shoulder. He was a full participant in Friday’s practice, however, and is expected to play Sunday as the Vikings host the Bears.

• Bears defensive end Shea McClellin was known for his versatility while playing at Boise State. But the Bears won’t ask him to switch to linebacker in the wake of Brian Urlacher’s injury. “They want me to play defensive end, and that’s what I’m focusing on,” McClellin told the Chicago Sun Times last week. “That’s what I’m going to do and not worry about another position.” Still, the Bears have dropped him into pass coverage at times. “We’re not a 3-4 (defense), but he’s athletic enough to drop back and do all those things,” linebacker Lance Briggs said.

• Bucs running back Doug Martin (Boise State) has been held to fewer than 60 yards in each of the past two games. But he doesn’t want to hear talk that he’s wearing down in his first season in the NFL. “That stuff about the rookie wall, I don’t feel that at all,” Martin told the Tampa Bay Times. “My body feels great and my mind is clear.”

• The Eagles’ offensive line had one of its better games against the Cowboys last week, as Nick Foles was sacked just once and the running game averaged 7.0 yards per carry. Rookie Dennis Kelly credits Jake Scott (Idaho) for bringing some veteran leadership to the offensive line. “He does a great job helping me keep things in perspective. A lot of times he’ll remind me not to worry about things outside my responsibility and don’t try to do too much,” Kelly told CBSSports.com.

• Cowboys defensive back Orlando Scandrick (Boise State) injured his left hand and wrist on Thanksgiving against the Redskins. He had surgery the next day, and Dallas put him on season-ending injured reserve Saturday.

Compiled by Chris Langrill,The Idaho Statesman