Bears’ Urlacher still not practicing
Chicago Bears’ linebacker Brian Urlacher said he was not concerned about his calf injury and didn’t expect to miss any games. However he has still not practiced since suffering the injury in the first quarter of the Bears’ last pre-season game against Oakland. His status is still uncertain for this Saturday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Bears lost Urlacher for the season last year in their opener against the Green Bay Packers. Urlacher suffered a dislocated wrist and the Bears got off to an early slump, eventually finishing 7-9. The defence was pedestrian in the absence of not only the unit’s leader, but the leader of the entire team.
"He's been around a long time and we love him and all that, but right now he's not ready to go," Bears head Coach Lovie Smith said. "But in time, he will be ready. Nothing serious with him, but we never put any players out there until they feel like they can play up to their potential. We're not quite there right now, but we'll get there in time."
Urlacher is needed for the Bears if they want to contend for a playoff spot this year. Although Cutler’s 26 interceptions did not help the team’s pla-yoff chances last year and a mediocre offence has been an organizational obstacle, the Bears have to get back to playing solid defence. The organization has built a reputation for having a scary defence and that has been lost in recent years. Since the 2006 season in which the Bears went to the Super Bowl, they have failed to make the playoffs and Lovie Smith’s job is in jeopardy.
Urlacher has been a defensive monster for the Bears. In nine seasons Urlacher has racked up 816 tackles, forced eight fumbles and has 17 interceptions. His leadership is probably his most valuable and the Bears are hoping his return this season provides the boost the team needs to get back to the post-season.
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