Chicago, IL – Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher could miss the next three games and possibly the remainder of the regular season due to a significant hamstring injury, the Chicago Tribune reported on Tuesday.
According to the paper, Urlacher suffered a Grade 2 strain of his right hamstring during the overtime period of Chicago's 23-17 loss to Seattle while attempting to chase down Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
The Tribune, citing sources familiar with Urlacher's condition, said the eight-time Pro Bowl selection is expected to sit out three weeks with hopes of returning for the Bears' regular-season finale at Detroit.
Losing Urlacher, one of the defense's cornerstones who ranks third on the team with 68 tackles this season, for an extended period could be a serious blow to a Chicago team that's fighting for an NFC North title. The Bears are currently tied with Green Bay atop the division with an 8-4 record and will host the Packers, who defeated Chicago in September, in two weeks.
Usual strong-side starter Nick Roach will likely slot into Urlacher's spot in the middle, with Geno Hayes the favorite to man Roach's usual post. The Bears also signed second-year pro Dom DeCicco on Tuesday for additional depth.
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