Brian Urlacher has been sidelined most of camp with a left knee injury, a nagging issue which has the star linebackers status for Week 1 in doubt, says Ian Rapoport at NFL.com.
It's been reported that Urlacher went to Germany for treatment not approved in the United States, which the Bears have been reluctant to discuss but was done with hopes his knee will heal in time for the first regular season game. But Rapoport was told the Bears are pessimistic that Urlacher will be ready by then. Urlacher and coach Lovie Smith haven't been too open with the situation to the media, as the Chicago Tribune pointed out Wedensday.
The Bears have allowed Urlacher to proceed as if he'll play in Week 1 but are preparing as though he won't. Urlacher has said his goal is to be ready by Week 1 for the Indianapolis Colts. More important to the Bears might be the pivotal early Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Internally, the Bears are reported to be as though Urlacher won't be able to go. If he does have to miss Week 1 and could set their sights on Week 2 vs. the Packers. The Bears obviously hope Urlacher can practice before then, which he hasn't done much of so far this camp.
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