Impending free agent Brian Urlacher he has yet to hear from new head coach Marc Trestman or GM Phil Emery. At Trestman's introductory press conference two weeks ago, he was rather noncommittal when asked about Urlacher and deferred to Emery. Urlacher, 35 in May, has made it known, though, that he plans to play in 2013 and isn't ready to hang up the cleats. He and the Bears have six weeks to talk exclusively until free agency starts.

New coach Marc Trestman was noncommittal when asked about the future of impending free agent MLB Brian Urlacher. Trestman deferred to GM Phil Emery, suggesting the two would need to look at film and see now the personnel fits in the coming weeks before making a decision. "I recognize certainly what he has meant to this locker room and to the fan base," Trestman said. "When we get done here, we'll try to answer some of those questions."

Impending free agent Brian Urlacher made it clear that he's not ready to retire after an injury-plagued 13th season. "I still feel like I can play some football," Urlacher said. "An offseason of rehab is going to help me. I didn't get a chance to do a lot last (summer) with my knee being banged up the whole time." Although Urlacher's preference is to stay in Chicago, he realizes the organization may move on after firing Lovie Smith.

Brian Urlacher (questionable, hamstring) practiced on a limited basis Friday. Urlacher figures to be a game-time decision against the Lions, and might be available for a limited run-stopping role off the bench if he's active. Urlacher has been sidelined since suffering the Grade 2 strain in Week 13.

Bears coach Lovie Smith is optimistic that MLB Brian Urlacher (hamstring) will be able to return in Week 17 at Detroit. "We are definitely thinking that way," Smith said after Sunday's win over the Cardinals. "I would just say he's making a lot of improvement." Urlacher was inactive against Arizona, but participated in an extensive pre-game workout and "looked to be at full speed." The Bears need to beat the Lions in Week 17 and have the Packers beat the Vikings in order to make the postseason.

The Chicago Tribune reports Brian Urlacher is expected to miss the next three games with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Urlacher said he heard a "pop" while chasing Russell Wilson late in last week's game. He could end up missing the remainder of the regular season, with the goal to return for the playoffs. Despite losing a step to knee woes, Urlacher has been the Bears leading tackler (88) while producing three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Nick Roach is expected to move to the middle with Geno Hayes entering the lineup on the strong side.

MLB Brian Urlacher sustained a right hamstring injury late in the Bears' Week 13 loss to the Seahawks. Urlacher wasn't on the field when Sidney Rice caught the game-winning score. Instead, his right leg was getting wrapped by the team's training staff. If Urlacher is unable to go in Week 14, look for SLB Nick Roach to slide over to the middle.

Bears MLB Brian Urlacher (knee) admits he's still not at 100 percent. Urlacher has just 20 tackles, no interceptions and two pass breakups through five games. His snaps have been limited at times. "It's frustrating not being to do things you've always been able to do," he said. Urlacher is finding out how hard it is to come back off sprained knee ligaments at age 34. The bye weeks should do him some good.

Bears LB Brian Urlacher (knee) feels he is rounding into shape after missing the preseason due to injury. "Preseason just ended for me. That's the way I look at it. I didn't play the whole preseason, and now I feel like I've got a little bit of game shape and can run a little better," said Urlacher. After playing less than half of the Bears' defensive snaps in the season opener, Urlacher hasn't missed a snap in the last two games. He faces a tough matchup this week against a Cowboys team that has yielded the least tackles to opposing LBs this season, but Urlacher's stock will rise in the coming weeks. It's a good time to get him on the cheap in IDP leagues.

Brian Urlacher (knee) is expected to play against the Packers on Thursday night. Urlacher sat out most of the second half in Week 1 as the Bears had one eye looking forward. "We have a plan for him," coach Lovie Smith said. "You've just got to trust the plan. Everybody has to. I feel pretty good. The plan came through last week. Hopefully, it will this week." Top corner Charles Tillman (shin) is also expected to play.