Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher returned to practice on Monday in anticipation of the team's season opener against the Indianapolis Colts this weekend, as Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune writes. He's been recovering from a major knee injury suffered in last season's season finale.
On Aug. 14, Urlacher underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, but he's insisted all along that missing the first game of the season wasn't an option. A teammate told McClure that the veteran linebacker appeared to be fully active in practice on Monday, so that's a good sign regarding his status for Sunday's game.
The Bears have an aging defense built around veterans like Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Julius Peppers, but expectations are high for the team entering this season. After opening against the Colts on Sept. 9, they play the rival Green Bay Packers the following Thursday.
For more on the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron or SB Nation Chicago. For more news, notes and analysis from around football, head over to SB Nation's NFL news hub.
