LAKE FOREST, Ill. – If you blinked, you probably missed Pisa Tinoisamoa.

The Bears’ new strongside linebacker sprained his right knee on the very first play from scrimmage in the season opener in Green Bay while tackling Packers running back Ryan Grant.

Pisa Tinoisamoa is expected to return to action Sunday night when the Bears visit the Falcons.

“It kind of went numb, but I thought ‘I’m all right,’” Tinoisamoa said. “The second play I was trying to run around and I felt something shift in my knee and I was like, ‘Wait, that isn’t right,’ so I went to the sideline, and that’s when they diagnosed it.”

By the time NBC introduced the Bears’ starting defenders a few plays into the game, Tinoisamoa was already on the training table behind the bench being examined by team doctors.

While it certainly wasn’t how the 28-year-old wanted to kick off his career in Chicago—Tinoisamoa signed with the Bears in May after spending his first six NFL seasons with the St. Louis Rams—the injury didn’t wipe the ever-present grin off his face.

“It’s unfortunate, but that’s why I sport the smile,” Tinoisamoa said. “There’s nothing you can do about it. Sometimes life gives you lemons and you try to make lemonade.”

Four weeks later, Tinoisamoa appears ready to return to action. After missing three games—all victories—he hopes to play Sunday night when the Bears visit the Atlanta Falcons.

Tinoisamoa practiced for the first time last week, and was back on the field for Monday's workout at Halas Hall.

“I feel good,” Tinoisamoa said. “It’s the beginning of the week. I’ve still got a long way to go, but I feel great.”

A return Sunday night in the Georgia Dome no doubt would mean matching up at times with star tight end Tony Gonzalez, who has 19 receptions for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first season with the Falcons.

“He’s big, he’s mobile, he’s agile, and he’s athletic,” Tinoisamoa said. “He has great hands. You can go down the list. He’s definitely one of the best receiving-slash-blocking tight ends in the game.

“Fortunately for me, going through training camp against [Bears tight end] Greg Olsen, he’s one of the finest ones. You can definitely compare him with Tony. You know it’s going to be a tough day, but you play hard. I’ve got 10 other guys to help support me, and I’ll play my best.”

Coached by Lovie Smith and Bob Babich in St. Louis in 2003, Tinoisamoa became the first rookie to lead the Rams in tackles with 121. He also had three interceptions and four forced fumbles.

“He’s a guy that always plays with energy,” Smith said. “He’s healthy now, which puts a smile on his face, and a smile on ours too. He’s a good football player. We’re anxious to get him back into the rotation and go from there.”

No one is more anxious to play than Tinoisamoa, who conceded that it’s been tough watching from the sideline.

“Winning’s a good thing and you always want to be a part of it,” he said. “I’m there. I go to the meetings and whatnot. But I’m not actually out there on the field, so I really don’t get to experience that, and that’s [why] I came here, wanting to win. But we’ve got plenty of games to go, so I’m excited about that.”