LAKE FOREST – At this point, the Bears can use all the good news they possibly can, and hours before their Monday night contest with Minnesota, they got some.

Their starting center, who has been out since their last Monday night game three weeks ago, is back.

Cody Whitehair, who has been dealing with a calf injury suffered against the Rams while also battling COVID-19, is active for the game against the Vikings. He is expected to handle the snaps tonight as they Bears look to snap a three-game losing streak at Soldier Field.

A second-round pick of the Bears in 2016, Whitehair started his first 71 games with the Bears whether at guard or center. His absence has been part of a miserable few weeks for the line with injuries and positive virus tests, forcing head coach Matt Nagy to put together a patchwork line at times.

Against the Titans, the Bears were down to just two starters and the line.

As expected with David Montgomery missing his first game of his career, running back Lamar Miller is active for the Bears along with offensive lineman Eric Kush.

Getting players back is a good thing for Nagy as the Bears face a critical game before the bye week considering their current circumstances. After a 5-1 start to the season, the team is now 5-4 and currently sitting outside of the NFC playoff picture.

A loss to Minnesota Monday night certainly doesn’t end the team’s postseason hopes, but it won’t help morale for a team that’s struggling to find it’s footing in the middle of the season.

“Right now with the way things have gone, losing three games, we’re willing to do whatever we need to do, collectively together to get that win,” said Nagy. “So when you say right now, this game vs Week 1, there’s a sense of urgency to this, and the guys understand that.”

At least one starter is returning to try and help the team turn the tide before the break.