Bears LB Tinoisamoa will have season-ending knee surgery

Published: Oct 21, 2009 at 02:23 PM

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears strongside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa needs season-ending surgery to repair ligament damage in his right knee.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said Tinoisamoa was "just disappointed" that he never got to show what he could do for the team after signing a one-year deal in May.

Tinoisamoa was carted from the sideline during last Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons after injuring the knee for the second time this season. He had just returned after tearing the posterior cruciate ligament during the season opener at Green Bay.

The Bears have been hit hard by injuries, particularly at linebacker. They lost six-time Pro Bowler Brian Urlacher for the season after he dislocated his right wrist against the Packers. Hunter Hillenmeyer practiced Wednesday for the first time since he injured ribs Sept. 27 at Seattle.

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