Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said he could miss the rest of the regular season because of a hamstring injury.
In an interview Tuesday with Fox Chicago, Urlacher said doctors told him he could be out “two to four weeks, three, could be four.” The Chicago Tribune reported earlier in the day that Urlacher was expected to miss three games and possibly the rest of the regular season because of a Grade 2 right hamstring strain.
Urlacher came up lame in coverage on the second-to-last snap Sunday in the Bears’ overtime loss to Seattle. Chicago (8-4) has four regular-season games left, starting this week at Minnesota.
Urlacher’s contract is expiring after this season, meaning he might not suit up for the Bears again if he misses all four games and they fail to qualify for the postseason.
CARDINALS CUT HEAP
The Arizona Cardinals released Todd Heap, bringing an end to the former All-Pro tight end’s brief, injury-plagued time in the desert.
Heap, who is one catch shy of 500 career receptions, appeared in just two games with Arizona this season, catching eight passes for 94 yards. Over the past two seasons with the Cardinals, Heap appeared in 12 games, catching 32 passes for 377 yards and one touchdown.
A first-round draft pick by Baltimore out of Arizona State in 2001, he played for the Ravens for 10 seasons. He was an All-Pro selection in 2002 and made the Pro Bowl in 2002 and 2003. Heap is the Ravens’ career leader in receiving touchdowns and is second in receptions and yards receiving. He was released by Baltimore following the 2010 season.
To fill the roster spot, Arizona signed former San Diego tight end Kory Sperry.
EXTRA POINTS
Grady Allen, the father of Raiders coach Dennis Allen and a former NFL linebacker, died from cardiac arrest. He was 66. Grady Allen played 59 games for the Falcons from 1968-72. … Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr, 78, collapsed after giving a speech in Madison, Wis., Conference organizers said he appears to be OK. … The Chargers placed wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu (hand) and center David Molk (thumb) on injured reserve and replaced them with guard-tackle Stephen Schilling and center Colin Baxter. Schilling is a former standout at Bellevue High School and the University of Michigan. … The Lions put wide receivers Titus Young, a former star at Boise State, and Ryan Broyles on injured reserve because of knee injuries. The Lions also released former Washington State safety Erik Coleman and signed wide receiver Kris Durham, a former Seahawk. … Redskins cornerback Cedric Griffin was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. … Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long (triceps), Titans offensive tackle David Stewart (broken leg) and Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (foot) were placed on injured reserve. … The Patriots signed veteran receiver Donté Stallworth to replace Edelman.
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