Bears Begin Dealing With 'Devastating' Injury to Defensive Leader

Brian Urlacher stood near midfield on a warm evening last month during Bears training camp in Bourbonnais, Ill. He said that, come what may, the Bears defense will always be easily identified. He said it like he meant it, which is certainly Urlacher's way

"We're never going to change,'' Urlacher said. "I mean, this is how we play and what we do. We're physical. We're hungry. We get as excited about defending the run as we do the pass. And we've always got a history to live up to around here.''

Well, the spirit may be willing but the tools are now certainly weaker for this Bears defense

Fantasy Football Impact: Finding Replacement for Urlacher

With Urlacher, Chicago's long-time starting middle linebacker, out for the season after surgery on his dislocated wrist Monday morning, the Bears defense is wounded as well. Coach Lovie Smith said that his team spent the day searching for answers, scouring for additions, and among the candidates is veteran Derrick Brooks. But Smith indicated the replacements Chicago most desired would be those who could both play special teams and provide depth behind veteran Hunter Hillenmeyer -- Urlacher's backup who now finds himself penciled in as the starter.

People inside the Bears facility on Monday called Urlacher's loss "devastating.''

Urlacher, the co-captain of the defense (end Adewale Ogunleye is the other) made the on-field calls. The Bears consider him a leader in presence alone, never mind the nine seasons with 100 or more tackles, the six Pro Bowls or his 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

"People don't understand that he gets all of the guys to relax, that he serves as a security blanket for a lot of guys on this defense,'' a Bears source said. "You hear that he is a declining player, and they say that about a lot of guys in this league when they get older. There is nobody here who feels that way. In this league, you move on. But I wish I knew that we will and I'd feel a lot better right now. That remains to be seen how these players respond. We have enough veteran leadership to respond. I hope they understand that has to happen because we have no choice.''

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Chicago Bears Photos

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Matt Forte

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Chicago Bears Photos

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) puts a rush on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Green Bay, Wis. Urlacher will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist _ a major blow for a team with high expectations.(AP Photo/Jim Prisching)

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher walks off the field with Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga (51) after the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Green Bay, Wis. Urlacher will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist _ a major blow for a team with high expectations. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is seen on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Green Bay, Wis. Urlacher will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist _ a major blow for a team with high expectations. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)

Chicago Bears' Brian Urlacher is shown on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Green Bay, Wis. The Chicago Tribune is reporting Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will likely miss the rest of the season with a dislocated right wrist. In a text message sent to the newspaper Monday, Urlacher said: "season is over." (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field following a loss to the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jay Cutler

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play in the 1st half against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Urlacher

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears stands on the sidelines after being injured near the end of the first half against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Urlacher

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers smiles at a teammate on the sidelines after throwing the winning touchdown pass against the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Aaron Rodgers

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers call signals against the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Aaron Rodgers

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Back in camp, Urlacher, who turned 31 in May, seemed relieved and thrilled that he was finally healthy.

In recent seasons he battled neck and back problems. Before that, hamstring and leg injuries. Yet, he had started all 16 games in seven of the last eight Bears seasons.

Smith says Urlacher "will be back as strong as ever next year.''

No one knows that. As Urlacher inches forward, next season would be his 11th in the league. At his position, considering the pounding, each new season is a tougher deal.

The Bears know that New England won 11 games last season without injured quarterback Tom Brady, and that the Giants won 12 without injured defensive end Osi Umenyiora.

Now it is their turn to compensate for the loss of an anchor.

From Smith to the 53rd man on the team's roster, every man will have to take a piece of that task. And this comes on the heels of that disheartening Sunday night loss at Green Bay -- and with the defending champion Steelers rolling into Chicago on Sunday.

Once the shock of Urlacher's loss subsides, look for the Bears to exude renewed confidence and increased passion and playmaking.

Their season relies upon how long those things last.