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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