[bears9]

Nathan Vasher says he's ''right where I'm supposed to be'' in his return from a partially torn groin muscle, so there's a real chance he'll return Sunday at Oakland.
The right cornerback has missed the last five games after being injured against Dallas on Sept. 23, and the original prognosis was four to six weeks. He's at the outer limit of that and could be on the practice field when the Bears return to work Wednesday. Vasher was in uniform for stretching Monday and, at the minimum, did work with the training staff on the side.
''I'm getting better every week,'' he said. ''Just trying not to rush it and make sure I'll be able to contribute when I do get back out there. I still haven't got the green light. I'll just have to wait and see what else is happening this week.''

Rookie seventh-round pick Trumaine McBride has filled in pretty well in Vasher's absence, but the Bears are banking on being healthy as they make a run at righting things in the second half, and Vasher's a big part of that. The team has bemoaned its turnover ratio at minus-10, and Vasher is second only to fellow corner Charles Tillman since 2005 in interceptions and forced fumbles with 12.
If he's ready to go soon, though, no one was ready to say.

Vasher might be back vs. Raiders