Bears to Wear Patch With Payton’s Number

The Bears will wear special football-shaped patches with Walter Payton’s No. 34 on their uniforms beginning Sunday when they play the Packers in the first game since Payton died on Monday.

“I don’t think a single game is a worthwhile gesture,” Coach Dick Jauron said. “You’d like to play with his spirit, with his dedication, with his effort over the course of a whole season.”

The Packers will be without linebacker Brian Williams, who will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury suffered in Monday night’s game against Seattle. Williams, the Packers’ leading tackler, tore a tendon in his right knee.

Quarterback Brett Favre is probable despite a sore thumb on his throwing hand.

Viking receiver Randy Moss admits he is excited about facing Cowboy cornerback Deion Sanders. “I think it’s a chance for me to go against the best and it’s a chance for him to go against the best.”