Thread: Urlacher possibly done for the year.

If he does miss the rest of the season, do you think he has played his last game as a Chicago Bear?

Chicago Tribune

Hamstring strain could sideline Urlacher for season


José M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher could miss extended time with a hamstring injury.


By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter

1:53 pm, December 4, 2012
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is expected to miss the next three games and possibly the rest of the regular season with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, according to two sources familiar with his injury status.

Urlacher hopes to be fully recovered for the playoffs, provided the Bears remain in good postseason standing. A return for the regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions (Dec. 30) is a possibility.

The eight-time Pro Bowler strained his right hamstring on the second-to-last play of Sunday’s 23-17 overtime loss to the Seahawks. He heard a "pop" as he chased Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson near the sideline. It was a non-contact injury.

Urlacher declined to discuss the injury or his playing status when reached by the Tribune. He underwent an MRI on Tuesday, which confirmed the Grade 2 strain.
Urlacher has started in all 16 games in nine of the past 12 seasons.

After Sunday’s loss, a team source indicated the Bears needed to prepare to play without Urlacher "for a while." Nick Roach took over at middle linebacker for the final play of overtime as Geno Hayes slid over to Roach’s spot at strong-side linebacker.

This week’s game against the Vikings would be Roach’s fourth career start at middle linebacker. The Bears also had linebacker Dom DeCicco at Halas Hall on Tuesday and re-signed him for depth at the position.

If the playoffs started today, the 8-4 Bears would be the fifth seed against the fourth-seeded and NFC East-leading Giants (7-5) on Wild Card weekend, Jan. 5-6. Such a scenario would give Urlacher a month to fully recover.

The 34-year-old Urlacher’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he still has a desire to play at least two more seasons depending on his health. He entered the 2012 campaign recovering from a severe left knee injury sustained during last year’s season finale at Minnesota. Urlacher sprained his medial collateral ligament and partially sprained posterior cruciate ligament. He underwent multiples procedures to repair the damage.

General manager Phil Emery wouldn't commit to re-signing the future Hall of Famer and said any contract offers would be based on performance. Urlacher not only leads the team in tackles with 88, but he also has an interception return for a touchdown, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

Honestly I think it's time to start giving Shea work at MLB, not effective at all at de so far

Originally Posted by JustAnotherBearsFan99

If we can make the playoffs (barring an epic collapse these last 4 games), it sounds like Brian will be back for the playoffs. Then it's up to Urlacher as to next season. If he wants to play, I'm sure the Bears would sign him for 1 more season. I know he wants to win a Super Bowl before he retires, so that might motivate him to come back.

I disagree. Urlacher will likely not be back next season, regardless of what he wants. His injury history and decline can not be trusted. Emery will likely look to replace him.

I can not see Urlacher being back next year. This will be Emery's decision. Not Urlacher's.

Urlacher said from the beginning of the year that his knee wasn't 100% and wouldn't be so until he got to rest it in the offseason. A lot of times when you get injured, it's easy to injure other things because you overcompensate for the first injury. I wouldn't be surprised if that happened here. The Bears WILL make the playoffs barring a total collapse, so assuming his hamstring is back to 100% then, he should be better off with more time to rest his knee.

As for the Bears not brining him back next year, no way. Even with him not performing up to his normal level this year, he is still a good player and, more importantly, the defensive captain. He is an incredibly smart player and he basically runs the defense. Urlacher at 70% is far better for next year on a veteran team than anyone they could get in the draft or free agency.