Dec 2, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould (9) celebrates kicking a field goal to tie the game against the Seattle Seahawks at the end of regulation time at Soldier Field. The Seahawks beat the Bears 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

When word came out last week that the Bears signed tryout kicker Austin Signor to a three-year deal, I knew something was up.  Yesterday, word from ESPN Chicago that the Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould was still recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured calf tendon, an injury which he suffered during warmups of the December 9th game at Minnesota that cut short his season.  (more…)

Nov 27, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox (13) on the field after a touchdown was scored by the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. Oakland defeated Chicago 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The Sun Times’ Sean Jensen had a sitdown with recently released Johnny Knox and the former Chicago Bear is calling it quits on a comeback bid.  Just reading the opener of Jensen’s piece brings a reality to the situation:

Johnny Knox looks like he’s in game-shape when he appears in the dimly-lit entrance of a Chicago hotel restaurant Wednesday morning.

Except the always lean receiver walks with a limp, and he struggles to sit or stand comfortably, the lingering effects of a devastating hit he endured at Soldier Field 13 ½ months ago.

(more…)

Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher returned to practice for the first time since he injured his hamstring on the second to last play against the Seahawks on December 2nd.  Urlacher tested the bum wheel in pregame warmups vs the Cardinals in Arizona last weekend, but hadn’t practiced this week until Friday.  Although the veteran linebacker is chomping at the bit to get into the game, it’s unlikely he’ll play on Sunday.

Here’s Lovie Smith on Urlacher’s progress:

“The normal progress we hoped he would make he has made,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “Brian doesn’t have to necessarily practice a full practice before we would play him, but we’re not to that point. We’re just going to look at how he moved around and see how he feels after today.

“It’s not like he went full speed. You just have to see if you think he’s ready to go when you’re coming off of a muscle injury. That’s how it goes. There’s no ideal time. But I wouldn’t take off too far on the Brian Urlacher talk. All we can tell you is that he had a limited practice today, which is progress for us, no more than that.”

According to Brad Biggs, Urlacher will be officially listed as doubtful on the final injury report of the week.

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) leaves the game with an injury in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In better news, running back Matt Forte is expected to be a go on Sunday.  Forte injured his right ankle for the third time this season during Sunday’s 28-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Forte’s been doing a lot to prepare for this must-win game:

“I’ve done this stuff before, acupuncture, chiropractic stuff, soft-tissue work, hyperbaric chamber, same stuff,” Forte said. “It seems to work better. I think since I sprained it the first time, it’s gotten all the way healed so it’s not a lot more damaged than the first time.”

Forte will be a key vs the Lions on Sunday.  In nine career games vs the Lions, he’s got 7 touchdowns and averages over 100 all-purpose yards/game.  With Michael Bush on IR and third stringer Armando Allen missing practice this week with a knee injury, the Bears only have Forte and recently re-signed Kahlil Bell ready to go on Sunday.

The biggest injury concern I have is at the safety position.  Chris Conte suffered a hamstring injury vs the Cardinals and with veteran backup Craig Steltz already on IR, it looks like Anthony Walter or newly signed Troy Nolan could get the call at free safety.  The safety spot is critical vs a team like the Lions who are likely to throw it around a lot.  Remember last season during the Monday night game in Detroit where safety Chris Harris was repeatedly torched, leading to his release and a shakeup in the safety position bringing Conte up to the starting lineup, where he and Major Wright have held it down pretty well since.

Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears helmet against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The MASH unit otherwise known as the Chicago Bears is rounding back into game shape, and it’s just in the nick of time.  The Bears were hobbled entering their last game vs the Packers, especially on defense.  They were so banged up that they suited up guys on Sunday that were less injured than guys who were inactive.   This Sunday they head out to the desert to face the Arizona Cardinals in a must win game.

According to Thursday’s official injury report, Earl Bennett (concussion), Geno Hayes (knee), Tim Jennings (shoulder), Shea McClellin (knee) and Henry Melton (chest) all worked on a limited basis.  The Bears had late additions of Brandon Marshall (hamstring) and Blake Costanzo (calf) as limited participants as well, but neither injury is expected to be serious.  Brian Urlacher and Jonathan Scott were held out of practice with sore hamstrings.  Michael Bush, who was dressed last week but deemed “down” and unable to go, went on IR earlier in the week.

If Jonathan Scott is unable to go, Gabe Carimi is expected to return to his familiar right tackle spot.

Getting some defenders back healthy couldn’t come soon enough.  The Bears defense was dangerously thin last week, so bringing back Jennings, McClellin, Hayes and Melton will help bolster the beleaguered defense.  Urlacher is not ready to come back yet, but who knows, if they can get healthy and win a couple of game… Oh, who am I kidding.

When I heard the Bears were bringing some kickers to try out at Halas Hall, I thought it was just for kicks (yuck yuck), but it turns out Robbie Gould’s strained left calf was a lot more serious than I thought.  The Bears sent Gould to Injured Reserve, ending his season and signed journeyman kicker Olindo Mare to replace him.  (more…)

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.

BEAR DOWN!!!

I wanted to find a “the end is near pic for this post, when I saw the subtitle, I thought it was perfect for this topic.

I was thinking about Brian Urlacher this morning as the Bears take their day off before starting preparations for a return engagement with Adrian Peterson and the Vikings.   The Bears will prepare for the game without Urlacher, who is expected to miss his first game of the 2012 season.  That’s surprising considering where we started with Brian in training camp.  Secret European treatments, surgery, etc were common themes throughout July and August.  But when it mattered most, Urlacher was on the field against the Colts for the season opener as promised.  He’s been on the field, but hasn’t been very effective. (more…)

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

The Bears confirmed some bad news on Thursday as they ruled out a pair of players for Sunday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.  Wide receiver and kick return specialist Devin Hester has been ruled out after suffering a concussion last week while guard Chris Spencer will also sit out while he recovers from a knee injury suffered against the Vikings.  (more…)