Bears' Urlacher to miss rest of season
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Associated Press
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Finally healthy after two years, Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher launched his regular season by making a run at Aaron Rodgers, lowering his shoulder and plowing over the Packers quarterback in the first quarter.
His 10th season was off to a good start. And then, it was over.
Chicago's star linebacker went on injured reserve after having surgery yesterday to repair a dislocated right wrist and will not be back this season.
There was no immediate word from Urlacher other than a text message to the Chicago Tribune that said simply: "season is over." But coach Lovie Smith said Urlacher clearly was disappointed.
"He had put himself in position to have an outstanding year," Smith said. "He was playing well in the game before he went down with the injury. Even after the injury to his hand, the competitor in him wanted to continue to play."
The injury occurred in the first quarter of Sunday night's 21-15 loss at Green Bay, though it was not clear when.
Urlacher, a six-time Pro Bowler, appeared to be in better shape after being limited by a bad back and neck the past two years.
Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, a University of Hawai'i alum, and cornerback Trumaine McBride suffered sprained knees against Green Bay.
49ERS
TEAM MIGHT CHANGE OFFER TO TOP PICK
Coach Mike Singletary said yesterday San Francisco has discussed changing its offer to top draft pick Michael Crabtree.
Whether the franchise has reached out to the former Texas Tech receiver formally, Singletary wasn't sure. He has asked the brass to keep him completely out of it so he can focus on the 53 players he has on the active roster.
"At this time in the year, that may be the case," Singletary said of making a new offer. "At this point, the whole Crabtree thing, it's over there. I'm focused over here."
Crabtree, the 10th overall pick in April's draft who turned 22 yesterday, hasn't accepted the 49ers' offer for approximately five years and $20 million with a reported $16 million guaranteed.
ELSEWHERE
Panthers: Jake Delhomme is still Carolina's starter — even after 11 turnovers in two games.
He does have a new backup, however, with the signing of A.J. Feeley to replace the injured Josh McCown (left foot and knee).
Coach John Fox defended Delhomme yesterday, saying his beleaguered quarterback's status "hasn't changed" a day after he threw four interceptions and lost a fumble in a 38-10 loss to Philadelphia.
Eagles: Jeff Garcia is back with Philadelphia.
Eagles coach Andy Reid confirmed the team has signed Garcia, a 10-year veteran who played for Philadelphia in 2006 and went 6-2 in eight starts while Donovan McNabb was injured.
The team needed a backup in case McNabb, who suffered a broken rib in a 38-10 win over Carolina in the season opener, isn't able to play Sunday against New Orleans.
Steelers: Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu will not need surgery to repair the tear in his left medial collateral ligament that occurred during a scramble for the ball on a blocked field-goal attempt Thursday against Tennessee.
Polamalu will rest, and hope there are no complications in his recovery. He is likely to miss three to six weeks.
Jaguars: Jacksonville defensive end Reggie Hayward broke his left leg Sunday at Indianapolis and will miss the rest of the season.
One of five team captains, Hayward broke his fibula in a fourth-down pileup.
Giants: New York receiver Hakeem Nicks (sprained left foot) and running back Danny Ware (dislocated left elbow) are probably going to be sidelined at least two weeks with injuries sustained in the season opener.