Stinger sidelines Davis

Rashied Davis is locked in a three-way battle for one or two roster spots at receiver, so his absence from Thursday's game against Cleveland prompted questions.

Davis, who suffered a stinger last week against Denver, finished the preseason with three receptions for 28 yards. A stinger is an injury typically caused by a block or a tackle that may affect a player's nerves in the shoulder and arm.

"He was a little banged up," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "We feel like we have a pretty good idea about his talent level and what he could do if he's on the football team."

Davis' absence offered more playing time for Brandon Rideau, who hauled in an 18-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, and Johnny Knox, whose 43-yard catch-and-spin play impressed fans and coaches alike. Devin Aromashodu finished with no catches, although backup quarterback Caleb Hanie missed a wide-open Aromashodu in the first quarter.

"Certain players took advantage of this last opportunity to show that they belong on the 53-man roster," Smith said. "I like what Johnny Knox was able to do – returning and just his overall game. I like the way Juaquin Iglesias caught the ball at the end of the game, [and] Brett Basanez stepping in.

"Sometimes you assume that you aren't getting much done, we're just waiting for the clock to expire, but that's definitely not the case," Smith said. "We got one last look at some of our players. Whenever you can win a football game, I think that's big."

Besides Davis, other Bears players who sat out included Charles Tillman (back), Henry Melton (ankle), Israel Idonije (hamstring) and Kellen Davis (hamstring). Smith also sat out Jamar Williams (foot) and Nick Roach (concussion), while healthy starters who watched from the sideline included Matt Forte, Devin Hester and Olin Kreutz.

-Tom Musick