Whitaker, Ford getting healthier

Defensive tackle Jeffrey Whitaker “has got a chance” to return this week, coach Gene Chizik said. Whitaker practiced Sunday and Tuesday after missing the last three games with a back injury.

Whitaker said he is feeling better and should be “full go” for Saturday.

“I’m doing better, a lot of rehab and everything,” Whitaker said. “So it’s not a game-time deal or anything like that. But we’re still going to play it by ear. But like I said, I felt great and I’ll be ready to go.”

Defensive end Dee Ford may return to the starting lineup after being limited the past four weeks with what he said was an abdominal injury. Ford said he feels fine and close to 100 percent.

“I had an issue with my abdominal area. My lower abdominal area,” said Ford, who had three tackles including a sack last week. “Just one of those weird injuries. It was where rest was really going to be vital. It wasn’t really much treatment you can do. It’s really just going to be rest and letting it heal.”