Harris talks makeup, not breakup

Tommie Harris apologized for getting ejected Sunday on the fourth play from scrimmage and vowed to make it up to teammates.

Harris is expected to be fined by the NFL for punching Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui in the face mask, and the Bears aren't planning action against their embattled defensive tackle.

He said he has no reason to believe his days with the franchise are numbered despite his most recent screw-up and his subpar production in a season in which he received a $6.67 million roster bonus.

''Not from my viewpoint,'' Harris said. ''I continue to just be Tommie Harris, 91 for the Chicago Bears, and continue to keep representing this organization. I know I didn't do a good job last week, and I apologize for that, but I continue to carry it out in a positive manner.''

Harris said he apologized to Lutui on Sunday and said he was embarrassed by his actions. The bottom line is, Harris has missed a quarter of the season, including his benching for the demolition in Cincinnati two weeks ago.

''I feel like I hurt my team,'' he said. ''Hopefully, I'll make up for it the next time I get out there.''

Harris refused to say what Lutui did to him starting on the previous play, and TV replays only captured Lutui blocking him into the ground. With the exception of an impending fine, the matter is over, although Harris said he has yet to speak with general manager Jerry Angelo, who has to be the most disappointed among a building of folks who were let down.

''When Tommie's at his best, he's one of the best players in the NFL,'' middle linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer said. ''But with that potential comes a huge responsibility in terms of what he needs to be for this team, so when he's not out there, that hurts us.''

Cornerback Charles Tillman is expected to play Thursday after being knocked out of the game Sunday with a left shoulder injury. The outlook is a little less clear for safeties Al Afalava (right shoulder) and Kevin Payne (back). Afalava, who was also knocked out of the game, called himself day-to-day.

Running back Garrett Wolfe will miss the game. He was hospitalized with a lacerated kidney and could be out two to four weeks.