THE SIDELINES : Bears QB Harbaugh May Start Against Rams Despite Injury

Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh, whose status has been in doubt because of an injury, may start Sunday against the Rams, Coach Mike Ditka said.

Harbaugh suffered a cracked rib in the Bears’ 27-13 victory over Green Bay last Sunday. He went through his second day of practice Thursday.

Ditka has said Harbaugh would start Sunday if he is physically fit.

“He is sore, but he is throwing real well, practicing and running around,” said trainer Fred Caito after Thursday’s practice.

“He is doing fine. It hurt when it happened, and once it subsided, he was able to tolerate it,” Caito said.

Harbaugh would wear a flak jacket to protect the rib if he plays Sunday but will not need painkillers, Caito said.