JimBob
08-28-2009, 09:29 PM
Former OU star to miss season with Bears
By VAUGHN MCCLURE Chicago Tribune
Published: 8/28/2009 8:41 PM
Last Modified: 8/28/2009 8:41 PM
Brian Urlacher, clearly saddened by nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek's season-ending ACL tear, pondered the possibility of his good friend no longer being with the Bears.
"Nature of the beast in this business," Urlacher said. "I hope he is (around). If he's not, I hope he does well wherever he goes."
Dvoracek, 26, had the torn ACL in his right knee repaired Friday, a procedure expected to sideline him seven to 10 months. This is the fourth consecutive season-ending injury for Dvoracek, so it seems highly unlikely he'll remain in the Bears' future.
The Bears severed ties with veteran safety Mike Brown after last season because of his recurring injuries.
Coach Lovie Smith would not reveal the next roster move involving Dvoracek. The Bears could place him on injured reserve or waive him injured, as they did with tight end Fontel Mines and guard Tyler Reed.
Although the Bears tried to remain optimistic while delaying the decision, the team finally announced Dvoracek's fate Friday.
"Tough break for Dusty, but he has been in this situation before," Smith said. "He'll come back as strong as ever."
Dvoracek suffered the injury last Saturday in a 17-3 exhibition victory over the Giants. Smith called the injury an MCL sprain earlier this week, and Dvoracek disputed a report he would miss the season with a torn ACL. Smith said more tests would determine the extent of the injury.
Dvoracek suffered a foot injury as a rookie, a left ACL tear in 2007 and a ruptured biceps last season.
"It's
frustrating, I'm sure," Urlacher said. "It's going to be challenging for him to get back from this one."
The third-round pick out of Oklahoma showed signs of being a force when healthy. He had 40 tackles last season and ranked fourth in the league with 7½ stuffs, according to STATS.
Dvoracek started training camp in a battle with Anthony Adams at nose tackle as Marcus Harrison reported overweight. Now it is a battle between Adams and Harrison with Matt Toeaina also available.
Adams started the first two exhibitions, but Harrison has slimmed down and is starting to show his great potential.
By VAUGHN MCCLURE Chicago Tribune
Published: 8/28/2009 8:41 PM
Last Modified: 8/28/2009 8:41 PM
Brian Urlacher, clearly saddened by nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek's season-ending ACL tear, pondered the possibility of his good friend no longer being with the Bears.
"Nature of the beast in this business," Urlacher said. "I hope he is (around). If he's not, I hope he does well wherever he goes."
Dvoracek, 26, had the torn ACL in his right knee repaired Friday, a procedure expected to sideline him seven to 10 months. This is the fourth consecutive season-ending injury for Dvoracek, so it seems highly unlikely he'll remain in the Bears' future.
The Bears severed ties with veteran safety Mike Brown after last season because of his recurring injuries.
Coach Lovie Smith would not reveal the next roster move involving Dvoracek. The Bears could place him on injured reserve or waive him injured, as they did with tight end Fontel Mines and guard Tyler Reed.
Although the Bears tried to remain optimistic while delaying the decision, the team finally announced Dvoracek's fate Friday.
"Tough break for Dusty, but he has been in this situation before," Smith said. "He'll come back as strong as ever."
Dvoracek suffered the injury last Saturday in a 17-3 exhibition victory over the Giants. Smith called the injury an MCL sprain earlier this week, and Dvoracek disputed a report he would miss the season with a torn ACL. Smith said more tests would determine the extent of the injury.
Dvoracek suffered a foot injury as a rookie, a left ACL tear in 2007 and a ruptured biceps last season.
"It's
frustrating, I'm sure," Urlacher said. "It's going to be challenging for him to get back from this one."
The third-round pick out of Oklahoma showed signs of being a force when healthy. He had 40 tackles last season and ranked fourth in the league with 7½ stuffs, according to STATS.
Dvoracek started training camp in a battle with Anthony Adams at nose tackle as Marcus Harrison reported overweight. Now it is a battle between Adams and Harrison with Matt Toeaina also available.
Adams started the first two exhibitions, but Harrison has slimmed down and is starting to show his great potential.