Team spokesman Jim Christman confirmed a Chicago Tribune report Monday, saying "Brian did have surgery this morning and he is out for the remainder of the season." Urlacher had said in a text message to the newspaper that his "season is over."
Urlacher, a 10-year veteran, apparently was injured in the first quarter of Sunday night's 21-15 loss at Green Bay making a tackle on Packers running back Ryan Grant. He played in the second quarter, but left on the Packers' first drive of the second half.
While the arrival of Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler sent expectations in Chicago soaring, the Bears were also counting on a healthy Urlacher to help them get back to the playoffs after missing the postseason the past two years. The six-time Pro Bowl player appeared to be in better shape after being limited by back and neck problems in recent years, and he was off to a good start on Sunday.
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He flattened Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers just after he released a pass in the first quarter and had three tackles.
Now the Bears will have to make do without the longtime face of the franchise -- Urlacher had started 49 consecutive games and has missed a total of seven games -- all in 2004. Chicago could also be short-handed in other areas.
Tight end Desmond Clark took a hard hit after making a catch in the third quarter and left the game with a back injury. Left guard Frank Omiyale also went down for several minutes moments later after spraining his ankle and limping off the field.
Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa also left in the first half with a knee injury, but Urlacher's injury creates a big hole on a defense that was trying to regain its dominant form after two mediocre seasons.
With Urlacher out, Hunter Hillenmeyer could see more time after replacing him on Sunday.
The Bears have been in contact with free-agent linebacker Derrick Brooks, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, to fill the void left by Urlacher's injury, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. It's possible the Bears could sign the 36-year-old Brooks as early as Monday.
Bears coach Lovie Smith was a member of Tampa Bay's coaching staff during Brooks' days with the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Angelo Crowell is lost for seasonRamos recovers from injury
