CHICAGO (AP) – Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers is starting for the Chicago Bears against the Minnesota Vikings after being listed as doubtful because of a sprained left knee.

Peppers was injured in Monday’s loss at Detroit and did not practice all week. The decision brought back memories of last year’s game at Minnesota, when Brett Favre went from being ruled out to starting on a snowy Monday night. Chicago wound up winning 40-14, with Favre hitting his head on the turf on a second-quarter sack by Corey Wootton in what turned out to be the final play of his career.

Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield is out for the second straight game because of a neck injury.

The Bears also shook up their backfield, with safeties Major Wright and Chris Conte starting over Chris Harris and Brandon Meriweather. Harris is inactive.

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