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Brian Urlacher likely out for the season with wrist injury

By Vaughn McClure

Brian Urlacher appears to be out for the season after dislocating his right wrist, the linebacker said Monday. The team has not given the official word, but Lovie Smith is expected to address the issue during his afternoon press conference.

Urlacher injured his wrist in the first quarter of Sunday's 21-15 loss to the Packers. He was ruled out after halftime.

When asked about his status Monday, Urlacher said in a text message that his ``season is over.''

He was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday morning upon the team's arrival back in Chicago from Green Bay. A dislocated bone had to be surgerically put back in. The surgery might have revealed more extensive damage.

The Bears defensive co-captain and team leader entered the season healthy again coming off back and neck injuries. He had three tackles before leaving Sunday's game. Hunter Hillenmeyer replaced Urlacher in the lineup Sunday.

Starter Pisa Tinoisamoa also might be sidelined for a bit after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Nick Roach stepped in for Tinoisamoa. Jamar Williams has to fit into the linebacker mix as well.

``We can't think about it,'' Tommie Harris said of life without the injured linebackers. ``We just have to go with the guys we have. It's a long season. They need to get healthy and get back out there. We're going to miss them if they miss time. But that's why the guys behind them get paid just like they do.''

Urlacher, in his 10th NFL season, is a six-time Pro Bowler and was the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year. The 31-year-old veteran is signed through 2012 and wants to play at least 15 NFL seasons, if possible.