Urlacher To Miss Season

NFL News - September 14th, 2009 - Written by John

One night after suffering a crushing loss in Green Bay to start the season, the Bears were informed there is even worse news. Brian Urlacher, the heart and soul of a Chicago defense that ranked fifth last season, will need season-ending surgery on his wrist.

"Season is over," he wrote in a text message to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.

Urlacher injured his wrist early in Chicago's Sunday night showdown against the Pack. He had X-rays at halftime but came back on the field to support his team. He paced and looked frustrated for most of the game, not being able to finish the season-opener.

Of the names that have been swirling around to replace him, Napoleon Harris has been mentioned by profootballtalk.com because he is familiar with the Tampa 2 defense. ESPN is reporting that Derrick Brooks is currently in talks with the team and is the vote here. Head coach Lovie Smith knows all about him after the two were paired together in Tampa Bay.

Another possibility is simply sticking with seven-year man Hunter Hillenmeyer, who is currently Urlacher's replacement. He was an important part of the Bears' defense from 2004-2007, averaging just over 66 tackles, but those numbers plummeted in '08 to 14 and the Bears seem reluctant to give him full duty without a veteran platoon.

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