Partial relief for Bears: Urlacher injury not bad as feared

The Bears have already lost another key member of their defense in a pileup. Safety Mike Brown was put on injured reserve after he suffered ligament damage in his foot against Arizona on Oct. 16.

Chicago also played most of Sunday's game without Bernard Berrian, their primary deep threat receiver, who has four TD catches this season. He bruised ribs after making a 10-yard reception on the Bears' first scrimmage play. His status is also unclear.

Quarterback Rex Grossman, who threw four interceptions and had two fumbles in that Oct. 16 win at Arizona, had a similarly shaky outing against the Dolphins. He pitched three interceptions and had one of the three fumbles the Bears lost.

The Bears' defense, meanwhile, had trouble slowing down Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown, who gained 157 yards on 29 carries.

"Everybody is still pretty upset and disappointed about the way we played," defensive back Nathan Vasher said Monday.

With a three-game road swing, with games against the Giants, Jets and Patriots, the Bears know they're in for the most difficult stretch of the season. They hadn't planned on entering it off such a poor performance.

That's why having Urlacher in the middle chasing ball carriers and calling signals is crucial. Urlacher missed seven games in 2004, mostly with hamstring problems, and the Bears went 0-7 in his absence.

"Brian's such a leader out there. He's a guy who is probably as important as anyone in this locker room in what he brings as a player and a leader," Hillenmeyer said.

Special teams player Brandon McGowan,, a safety, ruptured his Achilles' tendon, will have surgery and be placed on injured reserve.