The Chicago Bears have no plans to sign veteran free agent LB Derrick Brooks, according to a league source. The rib injury suffered by LB Hunter Hillenmeyer appears minor, and the team hopes he can play. The Bears expect to pick up another special teams linebacker this week but are comfortable with their depth and youth at the position for now, according to the source. Nick Roach, the starter at strong side linebacker, would likely start at middle linebacker if Hillenmeyer can?t play. The Bears have already lost Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher for the season.

The Eagles put Jeremiah Trotter through a workout on Thursday, according to a league source, leading to speculation he might be targeted to shore up the center of the defense that took a hit early in training camp when middle linebacker Stewart Bradley was lost for the season to a knee injury. Trotter last played for the Eagles in 2006, and spent three games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007. If Philadelphia signs him, it would mark his third stint with the organization. He played for Eagles from 1998 to 2001 and 2004 to 2006.

Derrick Brooks said last week he expected the Bears to re-evaluate their linebacker situation after the weekend and possibly get back to him about a contract. Lovie Smith was pleased with the performance of Hunter Hillenmeyer and Nick Roach, the fill-ins for injured starters Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa. "I like what we did at the linebacker position," Smith said. "Just like we did coming in (to the season). "All these players we're talking about, it's not like they're new guys. Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach ... Jamar Williams, we've seen all these guys. They've been around here for a long time. We had an idea of what they could do."

The Colts on Wednesday worked out receivers D.J. Hackett, who played for Carolina last year, and Chad Jackson, who played in Denver. Kevin Robinson, Hackett's agent, said his client would not be signed; Jackson's agent, Ian Greengross, had not heard from the team. ESPN.com reported David Patten, who played for New Orleans the past two seasons, also tried out. Attempts to reach his agent were unsuccessful. The Colts are looking for a replacement for the injured Anthony Gonzalez.

No team made a waiver claim on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Hank Baskett, making him a free agent. The Rams and Ravens are amongst the teams interested in signing Baskett, according to various reports.

Chris McAlister was in Baltimore over the weekend, and apparently has told a few people close to him that he will eventually sign with the Oakland Raiders. McAlister is not believed to be near playing shape, and that could take another week or two. The former cornerback will likely play safety if he does return.

Free agent wide receiver Matt Jones spoke with the Titans, Cowboys and Bears last week. Adam Schefter of ESPN writes that "Jones is better than some receivers on rosters now. But the fact that he remains unsigned is an indication that teams are being ultra-careful about the players they sign and the people they bring in."

The Eagles did not exercise a $7 million option bonus in the contract of running back Brian Westbrook, according to sources. The decision means that Westbrook's contract ends in 2010. Westbrook signed a complicated five-year, $32 million extension with the Eagles last August. The $7 million option would have allowed the team to extend the deal from 2011 to 2013. Under the new terms of the deal, Westbrook's base salary and cap number for the 2009 and 2010 seasons have increased.

The Eagles have signed quarterback Jeff Garcia, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Garcia asked to be released by the Raiders recently. He was set to backup JaMarcus Russell in Oakland, but could actually start for Philadelphia this weekend if Donovan McNabb is unable to play. McNabb hurt his ribs in the Eagles' 38-10 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Michael Crabtree will not be able to play this season if he doesn't sign with the 49ers before Nov. 17. The rookie wide receiver missed San Francisco's Week One win over Arizona as he continues to haggle with the team under the terms of a possible contract. The 49ers drafted Crabtree with the 10th overall pick and the rookie has shown no inclination towards signing a five-year, $20 million contract that the club has reportedly offered. The 49ers hold his rights until the day of the 2010 draft.