Brian Urlacher Could Miss Rest of Season with Hamstring Injury
Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) awaits the snap against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. The Bears beat the Titans 51-20. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US Presswire
The Chicago Tribune’s Vaughn McClure is reporting that Brian Urlacher’s injured hamstring is expected to keep him out three weeks and could cost him the season. Urlacher left the Bears’ heartbreaking 23-17 loss to the Seahawks on the second to last play of the game with what’s turned out to be a Grade 2 strain of the hamstring.
Urlacher has been slowed for much of the season with a knee injury he suffered in Week 17 of the 2011 season. He missed out on the entire offseason program and had to get another procedure done on his knee during training camp, but has played in 91% of the Bears’ defensive snap this season. He is second on the team in tackles.
Before official word of the injury broke, I speculated that Brian’s days with the Bears could be numbered. A 34 year old middle linebacker just doesn’t have the same market value coming off consecutive season ending injuries.
The Bears will replace Urlacher with Nick Roach in the middle while Geno Hayes will step in at the strong side linebacker. It’s possible that Urlacher could return for a playoff run, but how effective would he be?
What do you think? Can the Bears make the playoffs without Urlacher? Have we seen the last of Brian Urlacher in a Chicago Bears uniform? Let’s hear your comments.