Bears MLB Brian Urlacher was sent to the locker room with what appeared to be a serious left knee injury late in Sunday's season finale. Forced into the splits when hit from behind by teammate Major Wright, Urlacher's left leg caved in as he landed in the end zone. He was able to hobble off after writhing in pain for a minute or two, but this still has the look of at least a multi-week injury. With 10 more tackles, Urlacher finishes his age-33 season with 102 to go with three picks.

Brian Urlacher started Sunday's game against the Saints, as expected, and had three tackles. Urlacher thanked his teammates for their support after losing his mother on Monday. But he made no excuses for the Bears getting lit up for 30 points by the Saints today. "Don't get me wrong, this was a real tough game to play today. But I went out there and gave it my all. I came to get ready just like I normally do. It was a normal day. I went out there and played," Urlacher said.

Brian Urlacher (personal) participated in a full practice Thursday. A private funeral service for Urlacher's mother will be held Saturday, with many teammates in attendance. Urlacher plans to play Sunday's game against the Saints, and he's up to speed on the game plan. "I think he's going to have one of the best games of his career," DE Corey Wootton said. "It's a tragic loss [for] him and his family. ... He's definitely going to be playing this one for his mom."

Brian Urlacher (personal) expects to play in Sunday's game against the Saints, a source tells the Chicago Tribune. Urlacher returned to the Bears' practice facility Thursday after losing his mother on Monday. He may have to travel back to Arizona again before the game, but the missed practice time is not a concern. Urlacher appears set for a full complement of snaps in Week 2.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on NFL Live Wednesday that "most" around and in the Bears' organization believe MLB Brian Urlacher (personal) will return to play Sunday against the Saints. It's a tentative expectation because Urlacher is attending to his family in Arizona, where his mother, Lavoyda, has passed on. Schefter likened the situation to Brett Favre's in 2003, when he poured 399 yards and four touchdowns on the Raiders while mourning the loss of his father, Irv. Urlacher probably won't practice this week. The Bears travel to New Orleans for a 1PM ET game Sunday.

The Bears revealed Wednesday that MLB Brian Urlacher has been away from the team due to the passing of his mother in Arizona. Urlacher is currently making funeral arrangements. "My first priority right now is to be with my family as we mourn her loss and make arrangements to lay her to rest," Brian said of his mother, Lavoyda. "This is a very difficult and emotional time for us and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you."

According to the Chicago Sun-Times' Sean Jensen, Brian Urlacher's status for the next few days is "uncertain" as he tends to a family matter. It sounds like the Bears' defensive linchpin is going to miss a day or two of practice. There have been no indications he is in danger of missing this Sunday's game against the Saints. His absence should be a non-issue.