Brian Urlacher Injury: Update on Bears Star's Knee Injury

Will Brian Urlacher be ready to play on opening day for the Chicago Bears? Or is his left knee injury more serious than previously thought?

Ian Rapoport from NFL.com has reported that the Bears are "pessimistic"  he'll be ready for Week 1.

It has also been reported that he went to Europe to get Regenokine therapy on his knee, though he has disputed those claims (via Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune):

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Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher declined Wednesday to discuss a Tribune report that he went to Europe this spring in pursuit of alternative therapy for his ailing left knee.

When approached about the matter, Urlacher refused to confirm or deny he had had Regenokine therapy in Germany.

"I heard about that," Urlacher said. "Are there any quotes from me in there? Yeah, I didn't think there were any quotes from me, or anybody else, for that matter."

"

Regenokine therapy hasn't been approved by the FDA and was most famously utilized by Kobe Bryant before the 2011-12 season. 

Obviously, the Bears want to see the star linebacker return as soon as possible. The injury—suffered in last season's January 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings—has prevented Urlacher from practicing since July 31.

Urlacher finished last season with 102 tackles (84 solo) and three interceptions. At 34, he's still one of the league's better linebackers. 

With the additions of Brandon Marshall, Michael Bush and Alshon Jeffery on offense, the Bears look like a legitimate playoff team this year. But without Urlacher at full strength, the defense could struggle. There may not be cause for concern just yet in Chicago, but there hasn't exactly been a ton of optimism in regard to Urlacher, either.

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