BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and still hopes to be ready for the season opener.
The Bears said that Urlacher had an arthroscopic debridement procedure Tuesday morning to help relieve swelling in the knee and was back at training camp by 10 a.m. He missed the offseason training program after spraining the medial collateral ligament and partially spraining the posterior cruciate ligament in the final game last year against Minnesota.
Urlacher was ready for the start of camp, but has not practiced since July 31 and was away from the team recently for what were described as personal reasons.
Giants take hit at tackle
ALBANY — The interior of the New York Giants’ defensive line is facing questions after veteran Shaun Rogers was lost for the season with a blood clot in his left calf and two other defensive tackles were diagnosed with back problems, including one that will require season-ending surgery.
Coach Tom Coughlin said Tuesday that Rogers’ treatment for the blood clot would prevent him from playing for the Super Bowl champions this season. His calf swelled after the Giants’ preseason opener against Jacksonville.
Marvin Austin, the team’s No. 2 draft pick in 2011, also was being seen by doctors after his back acted up Monday night. Coughlin added free agent Marvin Parker (herniated disc) needs surgery.
Around the league
VIKINGS: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson has taken another important step forward in his recovery from reconstructive surgery on his left knee: taking part in his first full-pads practice. Peterson was cleared for full activity Tuesday. He carried the ball only a handful of times in full team drills with the first team offense, and he wasn’t touched by the defense.
BRONCOS: Denver right guard Chris Kuper broke his left forearm at practice and could miss up to six weeks. Kuper was caught at the bottom of a pile during team drills early in practic. Kuper is expected to fully recover in four to six weeks. He’ll be replaced by Manny Ramirez, a sixth-year pro who started at right guard in the team’s preseason opener at Chicago last week.
STEELERS: Pittsburgh activated offensive tackle Max Starks from the physically unable to perform list and waived running back John Clay. Starks, signed by the Steelers just before the start of training camp, missed the first two weeks of practice while rehabbing from a torn ACL in his right knee. Clay was carted off the field following practice Sunday. His roster spot was filled by running back Jason Ford.
SEAHAWKS: Matt Flynn will get his second straight preseason start for Seattle Seahawks with rookie Russell Wilson expected to play the second half Saturday in Denver. Flynn was 11 of 13 for 71 yards and an interception in the opener against Tennessee. Wilson was 12 of 16 for 124 yards, one touchdown passing and one rushing.
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