Brian Urlacher: ‘Definitely not where I want to be’
By ADAM L. JAHNS ajahns@suntimes.com October 9, 2012 8:15PM
Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. | AP file
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Updated: November 11, 2012 6:25AM
If Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher doesn’t look like his usual All-Pro self right now, it’s because he isn’t. He’ll tell you that. ‘‘I’m definitely not where I want to be,’’ Urlacher said Tuesday at the Nike store in Chicago at an event to introduce the Bears’ Hyperwarm apparel. ‘‘But I feel like I’m getting better every week, which I guess is the progression I’m on right now.’’ Urlacher sprained the medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee in last year’s regular-season finale. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in August and later missed much of training camp. “It’s frustrating not being to do things you’ve always been able to do,” Urlacher said. “I’m getting there. I just have to keep staying on the rehab and getting the leg strong and do what I’m told.” Urlacher knows the bye week will do him some good. “It’s a chance to rest up our bodies and get healthy,” Urlacher said. “I didn’t like it when I was younger because I just wanted to play. Now, it’s just nice to have some time off, kind of relax, get some family time and get away from football a little bit. After my first couple years, I started enjoying the bye weeks more.”
Show of hands
Calling it ‘‘nothing major,’’ coach Lovie Smith wouldn’t confirm that rookie Alshon Jeffery has a fracture in his right hand. Nor would he provide a timetable for Jeffrey’s return. Earl Bennett’s pending return could make up for Jeffrey missing time.
† Linebacker Blake Costanzo immediately made use of the bye week. On Monday, the special teams ace underwent surgery on his thumb, which has been ailing him lately. He won’t miss any time.
Contributing: Sean Jensen
