Brian Urlacher Injury Update: Chicago Bears LB To Miss Pro Bowl

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher told reporters on Tuesday that he will not be playing in this year's Pro Bowl, which occurs on Jan. 29. The star defender was voted onto the team by fans, but he's still recovering from a tough knee injury that he sustained in Chicago's final game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings.

Surgery will not be necessary on Urlacher's left knee after injuring his MCL and PCL during Week 17, but he isn't going to push himself to play any earlier than he should. The injury usually takes about 10 weeks to heal, but he told ESPN's "The Waddle & Silvy Show" that he's optimistic about his rehab:

Once I get the rehab done and get this thing back to where it was before, there will be no worries in my mind, and I don't think it will take 10 weeks. I feel like I heal up pretty quick. I'll do exactly what they tell me to do, but I don't think it will take that long.

Urlacher is still one of the most important players on Chicago despite his advancing age, and the 33-year-old continues to be one of the best linebackers in the entire NFL. Having him at full strength will be key for the Bears going into next season.

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Brian Urlacher Injury Update: Bears LB Does Not Need To Undergo Surgery

Following a scary-looking injury to his left knee on Sunday, Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher underwent an MRI on Monday, and the news was relatively good: there is damage to the medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments but no tears, and Urlacher will not need to go under the knife. His rehabilitation is expected to take about 10 weeks.

The MRI results were a relief to Urlacher, who feared a far more serious injury:

"I was thinking the worse possible scenario,'' he said. "I felt something pop in my knee when I did that little move on the ground. I never hurt my knee like that before so I didn't know what to think. (Trainer) Tim Bream was out there in two seconds. They tested my ACL then and said it was fine."

Fortunately, that initial prognosis proved correct.

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Brian Urlacher Injury Update: Bears LB To Undergo MRI

According to Brad Biggs of the Tribune, the Chicago Bears star linebacker, Brian Urlacher, will undergo an MRI on his injured knee Monday at noon.

The long-time Bears signal caller on defense hurt his knee in Sunday's victory against the Minnesota Vikings. Initially, the team reported the injury was a relatively minor sprained MCL, but the MRI suggests Urlacher may be ailing more than previously suspected.

In the 2011 NFL Season, Urlacher tied Lance Briggs for the team lead with 86 tackles. He also managed three interceptions and recovered two fumbles. Urlacher turns 34 in May after haveing spent all of his 12 NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears, starting 168 games since joining the league in 2000.

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Brian Urlacher Injury: Bears LB Suffers Sprained MCL

The Chicago Bears won their season finale on Sunday but were once again forced to deal with an injury to a key contributor. When safety Major Wright went up to make a play on a ball in the fourth quarter and landed on linebacker Brian Urlacher, the result was scary enough that many feared the worst.

"It was as quiet as can be in the stadium," said receiver Roy Williams. "That shows respect for ‘Lach.’ Our jaws dropped when we saw what happened [on the replay board]. Our prayers go out to him and we know he’ll be ready to go next year."

Fortunately for Urlacher and the Bears, he escaped the hit without major ligament damage and suffered a sprain MCL, according to the team.

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Bears Vs Vikings: Bears Hang On For 17-13 Win

It wasn't the prettiest of games, but the Bears ended a disappointing second half to their season with a 17-13 over their rivals from Minnesota.

Minnesota got off to a quick 10-0 start in the first quarter after the Bears turned the ball over twice. Chicago (8-8) responded quickly after a nice drive and a touchdown pass from McCown to Roy Williams. This was followed up less than a minute later by a pick six by Charles Tillman. Each team would each kick a field goal after that and the Bears would hang on to defeat the Vikings 17-13.

This definitely wasn't a pretty game for either team. Each team turned the ball over three times. The Vikings (3-13) lost Ponder to injury while the Bears lost Urlacher. The Bears had only 209 yards of offense while the Vikings had just over 300.

Josh McCown wasn't as good on New Years Day as he was on Christmas against the Packers. McCown was 15-of-25 for 160 yards and a touchdown. Kahlil Bell led the Bears on the ground with 54 yards rushing while Roy Williams caught four passes for 60 yards.

The season is now done for the Bears and many changes I'm sure will be made. Get ready for one interesting offseason.

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Bears Vs Vikings Update: Brian Urlacher Leaves With Injury

In a meaningless game at the Metrodome Sunday, there is one thing as a Bears fan you don't want to see happen. Another injury to a key player. Unfortunately for the Bears that appears to not be the case.

Brian Urlacher appeared to suffer a knee or leg injury in the middle of the fourth quarter. Urlacher was in the endzone attempting to make an interception when he was hit from behind by by teammate Major Wright. Urlacher quickly went down to the ground and appeared to be in severe stress.

The Bears Pro Bowler remained on the ground for a few minutes before limping off the field. Urlacher remained on the bench a few minutes before limping to the locker room with his knee wrapped in ice.

No announcement has been made at this time on the severity of the injury. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for updates on the severity of Brian Urlacher's injury.

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Bears Vs Vikings Score Update: Bears Lead 14-13 Over Vikings At Halftime

After a very sluggish first quarter that featured 10 Vikings points thanks to two Bears turnovers, the Bears struck quickly in the second quarter to take a 14-10 lead.

The Bears scored two times in 36 seconds to take a quick four point lead. The scoring started off with an eight play 90-yard drive that was capped off with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Josh McCown to Roy Williams.

The Bears scored again when Christian Ponder was intercepted by Charles Tillman who took it to the house to give the Bears a quick 14-10 lead. Tillman's touchdown return covered 22 yards.

The Vikings were able to get a field goal before the half from Ryan Longwell to make the score 14-13.

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Bears Vs Vikings Score Update: Vikings Lead 10-0 After First Quarter

The Bears and Vikings are both looking to end disappointing 2011 seasons. Based on the first quarter the Bears want this season to end quicker than the Vikings.

Minnesota has used two Bears turnovers to take a 10-0 lead after the first quarter.

An Earl Bennett fumble led to a Ryan Longwell field goal, which was followed up by a Percy Harvin touchdown run after a Kahlil Bell fumble.

Stats wise the teams are fairly even, but the two turnovers is what is killing the Bears. Josh McCown has been very shaky with a lot of his throws and the defense hasn’t done much either.

On behalf of the defense though, the turnovers have put the Vikings in great field position.

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Chicago Bears Inactives: Chicago Will Let Josh McCown Play Out The String

With the Chicago Bears' 2011 season all but over, it seemed possible that the Bears would give some playing time in Week 17 to rookie back up QB Nathan Enderle. But Chicago ended any speculation early on Sunday by placing Enderle on the team's inactive list for the week, meaning that Josh McCown will take all snaps under center today barring injury.

Minnesota Vikings Inactives: Vikings Shorthanded In Backfield

With star RB Adrian Peterson out indefinitely after tearing his ACL in a Week 16 loss to the Washington Redskins, the Minnesota Vikings have a huge opening in their backfield in their final game of the regular season. Most of the carries will go to back up Toby Gerhart, but two of the Vikings' young running backs— who may have been able to be tested today vs. the Chicago Bears— are listed as out for today's game.

Minnesota Vikings Injury Report, Week 17: Christian Ponder, Anthony Herrera Probable

The Minnesota Vikings Friday injury update is out, and aside from cornerback Chris Cook, who is away from the team while dealing with felony assault chargers, every member of the team practiced in some capacity on Friday.

Starting QB Christian Ponder has fully participated in practice all week after suffering a concussion against the Washington Redskins last weekend and is listed as probable. Cornerback Asher Allen (shoulder/concussion), guard Anthony Herrera (lower back), safety Jamarca Sanford (shoulder), defensive back Benny Sapp (shoulder) are also probable for Sunday's game against the Bears. They were all able to fully participate in Friday's practice.

Tight end Mickey Shuler (ankle), a new addition to the injury report on Friday, was limited in practice and is officially listed as doubtful.

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Bears Injury Report, Week 17: Brian Urlacher Questionable, Devin Hester Probable

The Chicago Bears have released their injury report for Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings:

Doubtful

- RB Marion Barber

Questionable

- LB Brian Urlacher

Probable

- WR Devin Hester

- LB Lance Briggs

- TE Kellen Davis

- LB Nick Roach

- DE Corey Wootton

The Bears, assuming Barber cannot play on Sunday, will likely give RB Kahlil Bell his second career start after shining in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers.

Meanwhile, the Bears linebacking corps is struggling with injuries with all three starting linebackers -- Urlacher, Briggs and Roach -- featured on the injury report. If one or more linebackers prove too unwell to start on Sunday, the Bears figure to start standout rookie Dom DeCicco and sixth-year pro Brian Iwuh.

For more on the Chicago Bears, head over to Windy City Gridiron. Vikings news is always available at Daily Norseman. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Chicago sports updates and breaking news.

Bears Vs. Vikings: Chicago CB Tim Jennings To Start Against Minnesota

Zackary Bowman's time with the starting defense proved quite short-lived. According to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Bears 27-year-old cornerback will move back to the nickel package in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Bears will instead start 28-year-old Tim Jennings ahead of the younger Bowman, returning the Bears 4th-leading tackler, Jennings, to the starting defensive lineup. After the Bears benched Jennings in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers, QB Aaron Rodgers took advantage of Bowman's inexperience, throwing several touchdowns against the fourth-year pro en route to a 5 passing TD game.

Jennings, currently in his sixth year in the league, has 1 interception and 9 pass deflections in his second year as a the Bears' starting cornerback.

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Week 17 NFL Lines And Odds: Bears Vs. Vikings

The Week 17 matchup between the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings is not the sexiest matchup on the schedule. There will be no Matt Forte, no Jay Cutler and no Adrian Peterson. Neither team has much to play for, considering they have each been eliminated from the NFC playoff race, so it feels unpredictable. It turns out the odds makers feel roughly the same way about the game.

SB Nation's partner Odds Shark has monitored odds for Week 17 in the NFL, and the line opened with the Bears favored by 1 point. Since that time, the line has shifted to a pick 'em game on one site has swung to favor the Vikings by 1 point on another site. The over/under for the game opened at 39 points, but has since shifted upwards to 41 points.

Head over to Odds Shark for more Week 17 NFL odds and lines. For more on the Chicago Bears, head over to Windy City Gridiron. Vikings news is always available at Daily Norseman. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Chicago sports updates and breaking news.

Chicago Bears Injury Report, Week 17: Devin Hester Practices, Brian Urlacher Held Out Thursday

The latest Chicago Bears injury report has been released by the team, and while there hasn't been much in the way of encouraging news on this front for the organization of late, it looks like wide receiver Devin Hester's (ankle) condition is improving. Hester was limited in Wednesday's workouts but fully participated on Thursday. Defensive end Julius Peppers returned to practice after missing on Wednesday for reasons not related to injury.

Linebacker Brian Urlacher (knee), running back Marion Barber (calf) and tight end Kellen Davis (illness) were held out of practice for the second straight day. Linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle) was limited, while defensive end Corey Wootton (concussion), linebacker Nick Roach (shin) and center Chris Spencer (back) were full participants on Thursday.

For more on the Chicago Bears, head over to Windy City Gridiron. Vikings news is always available at Daily Norseman. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Chicago sports updates and breaking news.

Minnesota Vikings Injury Report, Week 17: QB Christian Ponder Fully Participates In Practice

The Minnesota Vikings lost star running back Adrian Peterson to a devastating knee injury last week and starting quarterback Christian Ponder was knocked out of the game with a concussion. But Ponder has responded well to concussion tests this week and he has been a full participant in practice, so it appears he will be all set to start against the Chicago Bears this weekend.

Elsewhere on Minnesota's Thursday injury report, cornerback Asher Allen (shoulder/concussion) and defensive back Benny Sapp (shoulder) also fully participated in practice. Cornerback Chris Cook missed his second straight day of practice for reasons unrelated to injury. Offensive guard Anthony Herrera (lower back) was limited, as was safety Jamarca Sanford (shoulder). Herrara was held out of practice on Wednesday.

For more on the Chicago Bears, head over to Windy City Gridiron. Vikings news is always available at Daily Norseman. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Chicago sports updates and breaking news.

Week 17 NFL Picks: AOL Sporting News Expects Vikings To Beat Bears In Finale

The Week 17 matchup between the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings doesn't exactly have star power or any playoff implication, but it is still an NFC North divisional matchup that should be buoyed by rivalry and professional pride. The Bears were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16, and now experts are thinking they have lost all motivation heading into the season finale. Vinnie Iyer of AOL Sporting News has released picks for Week 17 in the NFL, and he thinks the Vikings will upend the Bears:

Each team is on its third quarterback, as this game has turned to Josh McCown vs. (most likely) Joe Webb. Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson are also out of this contest, leaving former Pac-12ers Kahlil Bell and Toby Gerhart to carry the load. McCown will find some success throwing downfield, but whether it's Webb or rookie Christian Ponder, the Vikings' quarterback will use his mobility to make more key plays in a low-scoring affair. Vikings 16, Bears 13.

Iyer is 160-80 for the season-to-date and went 12-4 straight up in Week 16.

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Week 17 NFL Picks: CBS Sports Expects Bears To End Season On Six-Game Losing Streak

The Minnesota Vikings are 3-12 and without star running back Adrian Peterson heading into Week 17, but the Chicago Bears have lost five games in a row and are left with Josh McCown and Kahlil Bell to lead the offensive unit. Neither team expected to be in this situation at the end of the season, but now it's about who can make the best of it. Bell has been running hard for the Bears, and may be looking to make a statement against the Vikings, the team that cut him before he made his way to Chicago. Meanwhile, Jared Allen needs 4.5 sacks to surpsass the NFL single-season record set by Michael Strahan. There are still some interesting aspects to a game that has no bearing on the playoff picture.

The five-man panel at CBS Sports has released picks for Week 17, and three out of five experts expect the Bears to lose the season finale. Pete Prisco explained his prediction of a Bears in the following way:

The Bears season went right down the drain when Jay Cutler got hurt. What could have been? Now they are playing a meaningless division road game to close it. How motivated will they be? The Vikings are at home, which is why they are the pick -- even without Adrian Peterson. Vikings 21, Bears 21.

It wouldn't be the best thing for the Vikings in terms of 2012 NFL Draft position, but no doubt the players on the field would love to cap the season with a victory.

For more on the Chicago Bears, head over to Windy City Gridiron. Vikings news is always available at Daily Norseman. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Chicago sports updates and breaking news.

Minnesota Vikings Injury Report, Week 17: Christian Ponder Not Limited On Wednesday

This weekend's game against the Chicago Bears doesn't really mean that much for the Minnesota Vikings given the lack of postseason implications for the game, but it will be another chance for quarterback Christian Ponder to get reps as he tries to improve for the future.

After getting knocked out of last week's game against the Washington Redskins, Ponder was active and participating in practice with the Vikings on Wednesday and coaches said earlier in the day that he's expected to start against Chicago. That's good news for the Vikings as they try to develop their 2011 first-round pick. Minnesota's full injury report can be found here, but it's shown below:

Full Participation

- QB Christian Ponder

- CB Asher Allen

Limited Participation

- S Jamarca Sanford

Did Not Participate

- OG Anthony Herrera

- CB Chris Cook

Ponder was the big name on Minnesota's injury list for the week, so it's good to hear that's healthy and expected to play. Allen's health is also some positive news, as the third-year cornerback has started eight times this season and shown some flashes of potential.

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Chicago Bears Injury Report, Week 17: Brian Urlacher, Marion Barber Don't Participate On Wednesday

The Chicago Bears don't have much to play for at least point now that their five-game losing streak as eliminated them from playoff contention, so it would be understandable for them to avoid pushing players that are expected to be key to next season. Quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte were placed on the injured reserve earlier this week.

The team's official injury report can be found here, but it's shown below:

Limited Participation

- WR Devin Hester

- LB Nick Roach

- C Chris Spencer

- DE Corey Wootton

Did Not Participate

- DE Julius Peppers

- LB Brian Urlacher

- RB Marion Barber

- TE Kellen Davis

The big names to see here are Urlacher, Barber, Roach and Hester. Peppers didn't practice on Wednesday, but the team says that it's not related to an injury. The Bears will likely be starting Kahlil Bell at running back against Minnesota in place of Barber.

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Christian Ponder Cleared To Start At QB For Minnesota In Season Finale

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Wednesday that quarterback Christian Ponder has been cleared to play against the Chicago Bears this weekend and is expected to start in the season finale. Ponder, the Vikings' 2011 first-round pick, was knocked out of last week's game against the Washington Redskins.

Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier told reporters that Ponder is expected to start, barring some unforeseen circumstances. Ponder was forced to leave last week's game against Washington after sustaining a head injury and showing some "concussion-like symptoms" following the hit. Back-up Joe Webb actually came in and led the Vikings to a 33-26 victory, though, so Minnesota does have a decent alternative at the position.

It's been an okay year for Ponder, who has made nine starts for the Vikings this season. He's completed 54.8 percent of his passes for 1825 yards with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He's also ran for 219 yards on 28 carries, but he's been sacked 29 times, as well. Overall, he's posted a 72.4 passer rating and led the Vikings to a 2-7 record in his starts, but one of those wins required some impressive play by Webb after Ponder left the game.

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Minnesota Vikings Re-Sign Allen Reisner To Practice Squad

The Minnesota Vikings announced through their official Twitter feed on Wednesday that they have signed tight end Allen Reisner to their practice squad. Reisner was waived from the Vikings' active roster earlier this week to make room for Minnesota's other options at the position, but they've brought him back to the practice squad as some depth.

Reisner has spent most of the season on Minnesota's practice squad, but he was with the Vikings for the past few weeks. With Visanthe Shiancoe and Kyle Rudolph dealing with injuries, Minnesota picked up Reisner off the practice squad in late November to give the team some depth. With both of those players getting back into the thick of things, Reisner's services were no longer needed.

A rookie out of Iowa, the 23-year-old appeared in five games with Minnesota, mostly early in the season. He caught a single pass for five yards against the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 27, but hasn't seen the field since then.

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Minnesota Vikings Claim Jordan Todman Off Waivers From San Diego

With star running back Adrian Peterson out for the season after tearing his ACL last week, the Minnesota Vikings have claimed running back Jordan Todman off of the San Diego Chargers' practice squad to give them some extra depth at the position. He's expected to be on the active roster as the Vikings finish off their season against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Todman was San Diego's 2011 sixth-round pick out of Connecticut. A two-year starter with the Huskies, he was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 after rushing for 1695 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. Todman hasn't seen action in the NFL yet, as he's spent his short professional career on San Diego's practice squad.

With Peterson out against Chicago, Todman will likely be the third-string running back for the Vikings. Toby Gerhart should get the start for Minnesota while Lorenzo Booker will be the primary back-up. Both Chicago and Minnesota will be missing key players for this week's game as neither team will be making the playoffs this season.

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Chicago Bears Add Two To Active Roster

After moving QB Jay Cutler and RB Matt Forte to Injured Reserve on Tuesday night, the Chicago Bears added two players to their active roster in order to fill their spots.

Bears Vs. Vikings: RB Kahlil Bell Looking For Payback Against Former Team

The Chicago Bears (7-8) conclude their 2011 season on Sunday, playing the Minnesota Vikings (2-13) with many reserves starting in place of injured starters. One such reserve is RB Kahlil Bell who ran for 121 yards and had 38 receiving yards against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17.

The 25-year-old Bell originally played for the Vikings when he entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2009, but never played in any games and was released before the season finished. According to Bell, that relationship may well play into his motivation going into Week 17:

Bell had few kind words for his former employer, according to ESPN Chicago:

"Personally, I really don't like Minnesota," Bell said Monday. "I was there for a short stint. It won't take much for me to get motivated for this game."

The Bears remain uncertain about who will start at running back in the finale, but with both RB Marion Barber and RB Matt Forte ailing with late-season injuries, Bell has a solid chance at getting his second NFL start.

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Bears Vs. Vikings: Chicago Looking To End On High Note Against Minnesota

The Chicago Bears head to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Vikings in the final week of NFL regular season action.