CHICAGO — Pisa Tinoisamoa's season with the Bears ended almost before it started, but the free-agent-to-be is hopeful he will return in 2010.

The linebacker injured his right knee on the first series of the opener at Green Bay, missed three games and then reinjured the same knee at Atlanta before undergoing season-ending surgery.

"I hope I come back," said Tinoisamoa, a seven-year NFL veteran and University of Hawai‘i alum. "I haven't talked to (coach Lovie Smith). I didn't want to be a distraction.

"I'm comfortable here. I like the guys. I like the whole thing. ... this game. It was a breath of fresh air."

Linebacker Nick Roach will be a restricted free agent, and barring an extension of the collective bargaining agreement, fellow linebacker Jamar Williams also will be restricted. Tinoisamoa signed a $1.5 million, one-year contract hoping it would lead to a more lucrative contract. He turns 29 in July and could be affordable again. The Bears took a liking to his physical nature.

MOTOWN FOCUS: Coming off the best game of the season on offense, coordinator Ron Turner seized the same out Smith did the day before when questions about his future surfaced at his weekly media session.

"I have another year (on my contract) and I plan on fulfilling that, and I'm looking forward to trying to figure out a way to build on the success we had last (Sunday), beat Detroit and go from there," Turner said.

Turner is signed through 2010 after receiving a one-year extension during the offseason.

COMING AND GOING: Cornerback Charles Tillman and defensive tackle Israel Idonije were placed on injured reserve. Tillman has fractured ribs and a bruised lung, and Idonije suffered a foot injury that is expected to take six weeks to heal but will not require surgery. Taking their places on the roster were cornerback Woodny Turenne and quarterback Brett Basanez, who were promoted from the practice squad. Filling one of the spots on the practice squad was Northwestern wide receiver Eric Peterman, who spent training camp with the team.

EXTRA POINTS: Wide receiver Johnny Knox is wearing a walking boot to protect his sprained left ankle. He admitted he was lucky to escape further injury Monday night. "I feel real good that it was nothing serious. I felt relieved." ... The Detroit News reports the Lions are expected to start quarterback Daunte Culpepper. ... Rookie wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias expects to be active for the first time this season Sunday. ... Safeties Craig Steltz (foot) and Al Afalava (knee) sat out practice, but Kevin Payne returned after missing the Vikings game with an ankle injury.

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