Bears general manager Jerry Angelo is confident defensive tackle Tommie Harris has learned his lesson from Sunday’s ejection.
Harris is likely to be fined at least $5,000 for throwing a punch at Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui, but the league decided not to suspend Harris.
“No, it won’t happen again,” Angelo said of Harris’ actions. “There was never anything in his background to say that’s the type of guy he is. He had a weak moment. He did a dumb thing. He recognized it. He apologized for it. We don’t anticipate seeing that. It’s behind us. We’re moving on, he’s moving on.”
Angelo said he would evaluate every player after the season, including Harris. The three-time Pro Bowler signed a four-year, $40 million extension before last season.
“He has to play good football,” Angelo said. “That’s the bottom line. But I’m not going to pick Tommie apart anymore than … we have a lot of football left.”
Harris vowed to atone for his mistake and got off to a good start, sacking Alex Smith and essentially keeping the 49ers from scoring on their initial drive. He also tackled Frank Gore for a 3-yard loss early in the third quarter.
In the running: Angelo gave a little insight into the team’s reason for working out free agent running back Maurice Hicks on Monday. The Bears are down one running back with Garrett Wolfe out with a kidney issue.
“Maurice has done a lot of things on special teams that Garrett did,” Angelo said. “We were looking at him more in that light. And we had him here at one time. We’re just making sure we pursue all our options.”
Injury update: During Thursday’s game, linebacker Nick Roach was sidelined momentarily with a groin injury after getting barreled over by 49ers tight end Vernon Davis.
Tight end Desmond Clark left the game in the first half while battling the same stiff neck that limited him in practice this week. He didn’t return. Cornerback Zack Bowman left with an abdominal injury.
The Bears were without safeties Al Afalava (right shoulder) and Kevin Payne (back), forcing Josh Bullocks to fill in as the starting strong safety.
Extra points: Rookie cornerback D.J. Moore was active for the first time this season, while receiver Devin Aromashodu finally saw time on offense at receiver. … The other inactives for the Bears included Matt Toeaina, Jarron Gilbert and Juaquin Iglesias.
