The Bears admitted to some concern about linebacker Brian Urlacher’s health when he missed his fourth consecutive day of training camp earlier this week. The tally of missed practice time is now up to six.
Head coach Lovie Smith stated Tuesday that Urlacher’s absence the past two days has been for “personal reasons,” as relayed by Michael C. Wright of ESPN Chicago. “When we have more information,” said Smith, “Brian will be our linebacker this year and all kinds of other things out there. ... He’s been excused again for personal reasons.”
The Bears haven’t said whether the “personal reasons” are related to Urlacher’s knee. Urlacher, 34, tore the MCL and PCL in his left knee in Week Seventeen last season. He opted for rest and rehab instead of surgery.
Wright considers it “unlikely” that Urlacher will be available for Thursday’s preseason opener against the Broncos.