Harris doubtful to play

Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris did not practice Friday and is doubtful to play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, Bears head coach Lovie Smith said.

A lingering knee injury flared up for Harris during last week's game against the Atlanta Falcons, Smith said. Harris dodged reporters after Friday's practice and declined to comment.

"Tommie still has some soreness," Smith said.

In five starts, Harris has nine tackles, including three behind the line of scrimmage. He also picked off his first career interception in Week 4 against Detroit, but Smith acknowledged that the former first-round draft pick had not made a tremendous impact this season.

"No, Tommie hasn't dominated yet," Smith said. "But eventually, some day, he will. Right now, he has some soreness. He hasn't practiced. There's nothing else, really, for me to go into about Tommie, except for he's getting better just like the rest of our players.

"I'm excited about the guys we have out there right now," Smith said. "You have to spend all your time on that."

If Harris is unable to play, defensive tackle Marcus Harrison would start in his place. Harrison started one game this season at nose tackle, which was his only start in 21 games in the NFL.

Harrison, who registered two sacks last season, has eight tackles in five games. He said he was comfortable to start at defensive tackle despite playing more at nose tackle this season.

"I'm ready," Harrison said. "I'm always ready."

Harrison got off to a poor start this season when he reported to training camp overweight. But he has worked hard in practice and earned the chance to start, Smith said.

Harrison said his performance last week against the Falcons might have been his best game.

"There's still some stuff that I left out there on the field that I need to correct and get better," Harrison said. "Just trying to slow the game down in my head, mentally. But other than that, that was probably one of my best games."

In addition to Harris, running back Adrian Peterson did not practice Friday and is doubtful to play Sunday against the Bengals.