Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was spotted testing his injured hamstring Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium, before his team's 28-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Bears coach Lovie Smith wished the news hadn't gotten out, but he acknowledged that Urlacher could play in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions.
"Chance. I would just say he is making a lot of improvement," Smith said, via the Chicago Tribune. "We didn't want to let anyone see him running out there, but I know he is feeling pretty good about where he is. If he's ready to go, good. If not, Nick Roach is doing a great job."
The Bears stopped a three-game skid Sunday and moved to 1-2 in their three games without Urlacher after he suffered the hamstring injury in overtime of a Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
A Week 17 win would put the Bears in position to make the playoffs if the Green Bay Packers knock off the Minnesota Vikings later in the day.
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