How do Bears tackle Urlacher problem?

With Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher out for the season, these are the options to help veteran Lance Briggs and the rest of the defensive unit:

Man in the middle

The new MLB is Hunter Hillenmeyer, who's not new at all. He started seven games at middle linebacker in 2004, when Urlacher was out with three different injuries. From 2005-08 Hillenmeyer started 45 games at strong-side linebacker.

On the strong side

The new SLB is Nick Roach, who started nine games there last year when Hillenmeyer was sidelined for two games with a thumb injury and then kept the job on merit. Roach lost the job in training camp to Pisa Tinoisamoa, who was injured Sunday.

The top backup

Drafted in 2004 with the hope of eventually earning a starting spot, Jamar Williams has played all three LB positions. He also started once in 2007 when the Bears opened with four linebackers. Williams is one of the team's top special-teams players.

Waiting to heal

Former St. Louis Rams veteran Pisa Tinoisamoa won the starting spot at strong-side linebacker but sprained his knee early in Sunday's game. Presumably out 2-4 weeks, he is expected to regain the starting job when he's healthy.