Injury questions linger with Urlacher, Tillman

**JustAnotherBearsFan99** · 09-11-2012, 04:03 PM

Didn't practice today.

LINK to the article

Injury questions linger with Urlacher, Tillman

By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter 3:35 p.m. CDT, September 11, 2012

It’s too early to say if the Chicago Bears will be shorthanded when they face the Green Bay Packers Thursday night, but two defensive starters were sidelined at Tuesday’s practice -- the only one of the week.

Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and cornerback Charles Tillman were not practicing during the portion reporters were allowed to view.

Urlacher started in Sunday’s season opener against the Indianapolis Colts after practicing just three times following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He participated in the first 27 snaps of the game before the Bears mounted a 20-point lead and coach Lovie Smith elected to rest him early in the third quarter.

Tillman suffered a right shin injury in the first quarter, returned very briefly and then was sent to the locker room for the remainder of the game. He doesn’t have anything on his leg, and Smith was optimistic Monday about the chances the veteran plays.

The Bears have a plan in place for Urlacher to limit his practice reps but he won’t be full speed against the Packers and he didn’t look like his familiar self against the Colts.

“He's a great player,” Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “He's been around for a long time, understands the system that they run there, understands how to play the game. He's really savvy about reading his keys, making plays on the football when he can. He just does a great job out there.

“I have a lot of respect for him the way he plays the game, the way he conducts himself as a professional. I've always enjoyed the competition against him and just have a strong admiration and respect for him.”

If Tillman cannot play, he will be replaced by veteran Kelvin Hayden. The Packers have injury issues of their own. Wide receiver Greg Jennings has a groin injury and his status for the game remains in question. Jennings was held out of the final meeting between teams last season won by Green Bay 35-21.

**little bear** · 09-11-2012, 04:09 PM

I think we all know that selecting the best linebacker available in the FIRST round of the 2013 draft is a must.

**soulman** · 09-11-2012, 05:21 PM

I gotta feeling they'll both be out there. Keeping those two out of practice is no big deal and it may be better to keep the Packers guessing than to tip our hand. Gamesmanship is the name of the game this week.

**MPBears68** · 09-11-2012, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by soulman

I gotta feeling they'll both be out there. Keeping those two out of practice is no big deal and it may be better to keep the Packers guessing than to tip our hand. Gamesmanship is the name of the game this week.

Was thinking that too. I'm pretty sure Peanut and Urlacher aren't sitting against the Packers no many how many "questionable" press releases are put out by the Bears.

**Dagan81** · 09-11-2012, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by little bear

I think we all know that selecting the best linebacker available in the FIRST round of the 2013 draft is a must.

I agree, or at least no later than the 2014 draft. Urlacher isn't going to last longer than next year with his knee the way it is. I don't even know how effective he's going to be this season since he struggled to get around in the Colts game. That being said, he'll start against the Packers, and as soul said, it's all about gamesmanship.

If we don't pick a middle linebacker in the 2013 draft, we really should consider going after another pass rusher on the edge. As the New York Giants have proven, you can never have too many pass rushers, and they have the best corps of them in the entire NFL. I'm personally disappointed in the pick that Emery made when he took "Big Mac", but I still think that "Big Mac" can be solid. I would have preferred Mercilus as he kind of reminded me of Richard Dent with his brute strength. Hindsight is 20/20, but if I were Emery, I'd either go for a MLB or another DE so we can continue to stockpile pass rushers.

**yttocs** · 09-11-2012, 10:53 PM

BU could, COULD be alright for 2 or so more years. Didn't get the knee right this year as soon as we wouod have liked. But WHO'S to say after the season, with no future injuries, and an offseason of REST, he can't come back?

**JustAnotherBearsFan99** · 09-11-2012, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by yttocs

BU could, COULD be alright for 2 or so more years. Didn't get the knee right this year as soon as we wouod have liked. But WHO'S to say after the season, with no future injuries, and an offseason of REST, he can't come back?

That could be, but we still need to draft a LB in the first in 2013. That guy could contribute immediately with Urlacher and Briggs. Learn from the best. We'd never miss a beat then, when Brian is done. This way we're not in crisis mode when Brian IS done (due to age, injury, whatever). For once I wish the Bears would be pro-active, rather than reactive.

**yttocs** · 09-11-2012, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by JustAnotherBearsFan99

That could be, but we still need to draft a LB in the first in 2013. That guy could contribute immediately with Urlacher and Briggs. Learn from the best. We'd never miss a beat then, when Brian is done. This way we're not in crisis mode when Brian IS done (due to age, injury, whatever). For once I wish the Bears would be pro-active, rather than reactive.

I HEAR you. But if BU is good for 2 more year ( we will see this season ). Then taking a LB in the 1st round the wisest choice? OK BEST football player at that CHOICE sure, but to go for a position?

**bearsinhouston** · 09-11-2012, 11:12 PM

If we finish high, we won't be drafting high enough to get an immediate impact player at the skill positions like LT or DE. The best go pretty early. Emery will have to make use of FA for at least one more season before he can right the ship.

**yttocs** · 09-11-2012, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by bearsinhouston

If we finish high, we won't be drafting high enough to get an immediate impact player at the skill positions like LT or DE. The best go pretty early. Emery will have to make use of FA for at least one more season before he can right the ship.

That really can depend. What position does one's team need as to what the higher pickers need.

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