Week 2: Midweek Report

The countdown to the Bears week two game against the New Orleans Saints is only four days away and there is plenty that need to be caught up with regarding the Bears. The main new of the week regarding the Bears dealt with the death of Brian Urlacher's mother on Tuesday. It was reported that he had left the team to attend to family matters on Tuesday and his status for the game was unknown. Losing Brian Urlacher for the game against the Saint's would be huge because of the potency of their offense. In the Tampa 2, the middle linebacker not only has the responsibility of covering the back and tight ends but is also required to cover deep down the field on passing situations. Losing Urlacher for a game not only would hurt personnel wise but would also hurt leadership. Many players have come out this week and proclaimed that Urlacher is the heart and soul of the Bears defense and that the defense usually beats to his drum. However, on Thursday, it was reported that Urlacher reported back to Halas Hall to resume practice and will play. This gives the Bears a huge lift and an even better opportunity to win the game. In injury news, some key players sat out of Thursday's practice and their status for the game is up in the air. Running back Marion Barber who practiced on Wednesday sat out on Thursday with soreness in his calf. Not having Barber in the running game would significantly change the Bears approach to the Saints. With Barber, he would be able to come in the game, and soften up the defense so by the 3rd and 4th quarter Matt Forte could come in and rip off some long runs to finish of the game. Wide receiver Roy Williams also sat out practice on Thursday and his status for the game is still up in the air. However, losing Roy Williams does not hurt the Bears as much due to their tremendous depth at the wide receiver position. Also, Lance Louis is expected to be out for Sunday’s game, which will allow Chris Spencer to slide into his starting right guard position. On the defensive side of the ball, there was only one significant player that sat out Thursdays practice and that was Chris Harris. He was still nursing a sore hamstring and will be a game time decision. All in all, the Bears are pretty heading into the Saint game which should allow them attack with all key pieces in place. So until next time Chicago, Bear Down!