Urlacher returns, intends to play Sunday
Brian Urlacher practiced Thursday after returning from Texas, where he spent the previous two days with family after his mother, 51-year-old Lavoyda Lenard, died unexpectedly Monday night.
Urlacher intends to play Sunday, a week after he was named NFC defensive player of the week for his 10 tackles, interception and fumble return for a touchdown that helped the Bears whip the Falcons 30-12.
“His play speaks for itself,” defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. “He’s been as good as anybody in this league for a lot of years, but he (also) brings leadership to the defense, and the knowledge, the command of the huddle and command of the system. He’s got a Ph.D. in this system, and it shows.
“There’s no doubt he’s the leader of our defense and in the locker room. (Teammates) just have so much respect for him, not just as a player, but just how he conducts himself.”
Coach Lovie Smith said Urlacher is trying to keep this week as normal as he can under the circumstances.
“Sometimes when you’re going through tough times like he is right now, you want to get back with your support group, which is here with his teammates,” Smith said. “It was good to get him back, see his face and show some support that way. Football is pretty important to him, so he’s excited about playing the game this Sunday.”
The private service for Lavoyda Lenard will be held on Saturday in Lovington, New Mexico. Bears chairman of the board George McCaskey, president and CEO Ted Phillips, general manager Jerry Angelo, head coach Lovie Smith, linebackers coach Bob Babich and linebacker Lance Briggs are scheduled to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the Urlacher family has asked donations be made to the Lavoyda Fund, c/o City of Lovington Youth Center, 214 S. Love St., Lovington, N.M., 88260.
Peace and quiet:Having offensive coordinator Mike Martz upstairs in the coaches#146; booth, as opposed to on the field, is working well at getting play calls to quarterback Jay Cutler down on the field. #147;They seem to be coming a little bit faster,#148; Cutler said. #147;I think he#146;s a little more comfortable up there. There#146;s less distractions for him. He#146;s able to just concentrate on what the next call is as soon as he gets the down and distance, so I think that he likes it and it works well for us.#148;Martz agrees the bird#146;s eye view has its advantages.#147;Good hot dogs,#148; he joked. #147;No. You don#146;t want to write that. It#146;s quiet. You have a chance to take notes and sort through things. You#146;re quicker with the calls.#148;Injury update:Running back Marion Barber (calf), wide receiver Roy Williams (groin), guard Lance Louis (ankle) and safety Chris Harris (hamstring) remained sidelined Thursday, leaving Sunday availability of all four doubtful, although Barber was able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday.Linebacker Lance Briggs (knee), wide receiver Sam Hurd (ankle), cornerback Zack Bowman (hamstring) and defensive end Corey Wootton (knee) were full participants.Follow Bob#146;s Bears reports via Twitter @Bob LeGere and check out our Bear Essentials blog at dailyherald.com.