Brian Urlacher's Mom Passes Away; His Status for Game against New Orleans Saints is Uncertain

The Chicago Bears have excused Brian Urlacher from practice this week so he can be with his family.

Urlacher's mom, Lavoyda, passed away at age 51, reportedly due to natural causes.

It is not known whether Urlacher will be in New Orleans on Sunday to play against the Saints. From a football standpoint, the Bears would like to have Urlacher in the middle linebacker position against Drew Brees and company.

Plus, it would be an inspirational sight to see Urlacher play well against New Orleans, just as Brett Favre did in 2003 against the Oakland Raiders after his father passed away.

But in times like these, it's important to keep things in perspective. And I send my condolences to Urlacher and his family.