Urlacher returns to Bears' training camp

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,2031117.story

Urlacher returns to Bears' training camp



By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter 12:14 p.m. CDT, August 11, 2012


Linebacker Brian Urlacher has returned to Chicago Bears training camp after taking time away for what the team described as personal reasons.
Several Bears players confirmed the return of Urlacher, who has been away from the team since Monday. It was not known whether Urlacher would participate in Saturday's 2 p.m. practice.
The eight-time Pro Bowler had been sidelined four days with knee soreness before being excused.Coach Lovie Smith consistently has maintained that Urlacher would be back in time for the season opener against the Colts on Sept. 9.

Urlacher sprained the medial collateral ligament and partially sprained the posterior collateral ligament in his left knee in last year's season finale at Minnesota on Jan. 1. He did not have surgery on the knee.

Bears general manager Phil Emery addressed Urlacher's situation on the WBBM-AM 780 pregame show.

"Brian is doing well," Emery said. "We treat each and every injury on an individual basis. He's a guy who needs some rest right now. We're going to provide him with that. Practice right now is not in his best interest or the best interest of the Chicago Bears."


Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune





Yeah, hes earned whatever time off he needs. Im not gonna be too concerned until(if) he actually misses the season opener.

I'm not concerned. Urlacher is older now and will not heal as fast, and in some cases he may not heal completely 100%. It's amazing he can still be a starter at 34 years of age, with a high-mileage body that has absorbed several years of abuse that a MLB gets in the NFL.

Next year the Bears better be thinking about bringing a youngster in to eventually (2014ish) be our MLB. Roach certainly isn't the long-term answer there.