Brian Urlacher returns to Chicago Bears practice

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Brian Urlacher has returned to Chicago Bears headquarters Halas Hall, the Chicago Tribune’s David Haugh tweeted citing two sources.

A source told the Chicago Tribune Wednesday night that Urlacher plans to play Sunday at New Orleans.

The veteran linebacker left the team Wednesday after the unexpected death of his mother, Lavoyda, at age 51. CoachLovie Smith had said the team would let Urlacher have as much time as possible to grieve.

Meanwhile, fellow athletes, sports reporters and fans have been using Twitter to send out their condolences to Urlacher.

New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress tells Urlacher, ‘Stay Strong. Bless.’ Sports Illustrated’s Peter King calls it a ‘tough blow for a very good man.’ Others sending out their thoughts and prayers include San Francisco 49ers’ Braylon Edwards, New Orleans Saints’ Mark Ingram, Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls’ Carlos Boozer and ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Linda Cohn.

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-- Chuck Schilken