THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears defensive back Nathan Vasher has a fractured right hand and will miss Sunday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings when the teams meet for first place in the NFC North.

Vasher, who'd missed three games earlier this season with an injury to his right wrist and thumb, was hurt Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. Bears coach Lovie Smith said Vasher also reinjured his right thumb.

"He'll be out for a while," Smith said.

Corey Graham is expected to start against the Vikings.

Vasher, who appeared in only four games a year ago because of a groin injury, has 18 career interceptions, but only two in the last two seasons.