Chicago, IL

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is expected to miss the next three games and possibly the rest of the regular season after an MRI confirmed that he has Grade 2 hamstring strain.

The linebacker suffered the injury on a play just before the Seattle Seahawks' game-winning touchdown in overtime Sunday at Soldier Field.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Urlacher heard a "pop" while chasing quarterback Russell Wilson. He was having his right leg wrapped when Sidney Rice scored the winning TD.

According to the Tribune, Urlacher hopes to be fully recovered by the playoffs if the Bears advance. The Bears are 8-4 and have lost three of their past four games.

In last season's finale, the 34-year-old Urlacher sprained his posterior collateral ligament against the Minnesota Vikings. He had arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason, and there were reports he underwent other procedures. He missed most of training camp.

An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2005), Urlacher will be a free agent after this season.

Urlacher said he wants to retire a Bear but the team wants to wait until after the season to discuss his future.

Earlier, the Bears signed linebacker Dom DeCicco, who likely will back up Nick Roach when the Bears travel to play the Vikings Sunday.

 

Chicago Tribune sports columnist Steve Rosenbloom wonders whether the Bears will be able to regain their footing after Sunday's loss to the Seahawks

The Bears have lost their way

 

 

Copyright © 2012 iHaveNet.com