MLB Brian Urlacher was wearing a floppy hat, not a helmet for Wednesday's practice at Halas Hall, the first of two workouts scheduled for the bye week.
He was one of five players sitting out.
CB Nathan Vasher (groin) was sidelined as was RT Fred Miller, who has been battling a sprained ankle.
LG Ruben Brown and SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer were also out.
UPDATING: S Brandon McGowan, who banged up his right elbow in Philadelphia, also missed practice.
It's been clear all season that Urlacher was not up to his usual standard. The problem is that even so, he's the best available. The secondary injuries are the real problem, and hopefully Vasher's return will rejuvenate the whole group. On offense,Griese is not the answer. Three interceptions in the opponents' end zone is absolutely stupid. And they were not even lucky or difficult interceptions.I don't know if Rex or Kyle would do better, but Griese is not going to be leading the team next year, so why not go to the younger players?