Bears linebacker and leading tackler Jerrell Freeman is being suspended four games without pay for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. He becomes the second Bears player in a week to be suspended for PEDs after wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey was handed a four-game ban last week. Freeman will be eligible to return to action in Week 16.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler could be done for the year. Cutler sustained a shoulder injury during Sunday's loss to the Giants. The "Chicago Tribune" reports it could be serious enough to end his season. Matt Barkley would take over under center if Cutler is sidelined.
Cam Talbot turned away all 31 shots he faced to lead the Oilers to a 5-0 win over the Blackhawks in Edmonton. Talbot logged the 14th shutout of his career. Leon Draisaitl had two power-play goals and an assist for Edmonton, which has won its last two games.
Corey Crawford made 22 saves for Chicago, which dipped to 2-and-2 on its seven-game road trip.
Bulls star Jimmy Butler is the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Butler averaged 27.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in helping Chicago go 3-and-1 last week. Butler netted a season-high 40 points in Sunday's win over the Lakers.
The Bulls continue their circus road trip tonight against the Nuggets in Denver. Chicago is coming off Sunday's 118-110 win over the Lakers. The Bulls have won six of their last eight to enter tonight's contest 9-and-5 on the season.
Tonight's game can be heard on Newstalk 1060 with the Pre-Game Show at 7:30.
