Bears coach Lovie Smith told us Tuesday that linebacker Brian Urlacher would start against the Packers on Thursday night.
That proclamation is looking even better after Urlacher participated in Wednesday’s brief practice before being listed as probable on the team’s injury report. That leaves little doubt that the Bears will have Urlacher at middle linebacker from the start of the game.
The outlook is a bit less clear for cornerback Charles Tillman, who is dealing with a shin injury. He was limited during practice and is listed as questionable for Thursday night. If Tillman isn’t able to play, Tim Jennings and Kelvin Hayden will be charged with slowing down the Packers receivers.
That group might not include Greg Jennings, who is listed as doubtful thanks to a groin injury. The Packers would still have Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb and Jermichael Finley to catch Aaron Rodgers’ passes, so it should be a tough draw for the Bears secondary under any circumstances. The Packers also listed cornerback Davon House and running back James Starks as doubtful. Linebacker Jamari Lattimore and defensive C.J. Wilson are both questionable for Green Bay.