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Urlacher says Briggs always ready to play

Bears weakside linebacker Lance Briggs is angling for a renegotiation of his contract, which still has three years left. But middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, who has played next to Briggs for eight years, doesn’t believe his teammate needs a contract dispute to fire him up.

“I don’t think he needs a fire lit,” Urlacher said. “The guy plays great every week. He practices hard when he’s healthy and plays great. I don’t think that’s an issue.

“He’s always had a chip on his shoulder since he got drafted (in the third round) and all those guys who went before him, hardly any of them are in the league now.

“So, do I think he should get a contract? Yes. Do I think he’s underpaid? Yes.

“(But it) doesn’t matter what I think. Doesn’t matter what he thinks. It matters what people think he deserves; that’s all that matters.”

Travelin’ man:If ever there were a football drifter, it#146;s new fullback Tyler Clutts, who was claimed off the Cleveland Browns#146; practice squad Wednesday.The 26-year-old already has played in the Arena League, the Canadian League and the United Football League in addition to the NFL.#147;It#146;s been a wild journey,#148; said the 6-foot-2, 260-pounder who played defensive end at Fresno State.#147;But to be honest, it has prepared me to be ready for this right now. Climbing the ladder #133; I don#146;t consider myself a rookie, even though this is my first year here because I#146;ve had pro experience.#147;I#146;ve been in big games, and I#146;ve done all those things. So I#146;m ready to play at this level.#147;But it#146;s been a learning experience, and it#146;s really made me appreciate where I am right now and to do everything that I can to help myself stay here.#148;No cupcakes:Quarterback Jay Cutler was asked about the difficult early schedule that includes the New Orleans Saints on the road and the Green Bay Packers at home after Sunday#146;s home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.#147;There are no D-II schools,#148; Cutler said. #147;We don#146;t have a lot of options. We have to take it for what it is. We have Atlanta, and we have to deal with it.#148;No cupcakes II:The first three opponents had a combined record of 34-14 last season and all three made the playoffs.After the Falcons (13-3), the Bears have the Saints (11-5) in New Orleans and the Packers (10-6) at home.#147;We#146;ve got a tough start,#148; Brian Urlacher said. #147;We#146;ll see where we#146;re at. Three good NFC opponents. We#146;ll see where we stack up with the best of the NFC right away.#148;Injury update:Marion Barber (calf) missed practice again Thursday and will not play Sunday. #133; Corey Wootton (knee) was limited and also is not expected to play. #133; Everyone else was a full participant, including Anthony Adams (calf) and Sam Hurd (ankle), who were limited a day earlier. #133; The Bears reached an injury settlement with tight end Desmond Clark on Thursday.