Bears LB Urlacher out for season

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Finally healthy after two years, Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher launched his regular season by making a run at Aaron Rodgers, lowering his shoulder and plowing over the Packers quarterback in the first quarter.

His 10th season was off to a good start. And then, it was over.

Chicago's star linebacker went on injured reserve after having surgery Monday to repair a dislocated right wrist and will not be back this season, a major blow for a team with high expectations.

There was no immediate word from Urlacher other than a text message to the Chicago Tribune that said simply: "season is over." But coach Lovie Smith said Urlacher clearly was disappointed.

"He had put himself in position to have an outstanding year," Smith said. "He was playing well in the game before he went down with the injury. Even after the injury to his hand, the competitor in him wanted to continue to play. It's a tough break. There's no way around it, but he's been injured before and he's come back before."

With Urlacher out, Hunter Hillenmeyer is expected to start at middle linebacker this week when the Bears host defending champion Pittsburgh. Chicago also signed linebacker Tim Shaw, who got cut by Jacksonville this month, to a one-year deal Monday.

The injury to Urlacher occurred in the first quarter of Sunday night's 21-15 loss at Green Bay, though it was not clear when. Urlacher briefly shook his wrist after tackling Packers running back Ryan Grant late in the period, though Smith said he wasn't sure when it happened.

Crabtree yet to sign

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Coach Mike Singletary said Monday the San Francisco 49ers have discussed changing their offer to top draft pick Michael Crabtree.

Whether the franchise has reached out to the former Texas Tech star formally, Singletary wasn't sure. He has asked the brass to keep him completely out of it so he can focus on the 53 players he has on the active roster.

"At this time in the year, that may be the case," Singletary said of making a new offer. "At this point, the whole Crabtree thing, it's over there. I'm focused over here."

The 49ers beat the reigning NFC champion Arizona Cardinals 20-16 on Sunday.

Crabtree, the 10th overall pick in April's draft who turned 22 on Monday, hasn't accepted the 49ers' offer for approximately five years and $20 million with a reported $16 million guaranteed -- instead seeking money comparable to the higher picks.

Oakland Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, the No. 7 choice, signed a five-year contract that will guarantee him at least $23.5 million.

Jacksonville Jaguars top pick Eugene Monroe, taken eighth overall, signed a five-year, $25 million contract that includes $19 million guaranteed.

-- The Associated Press

Twice in the last month, and as recently as Sunday, reports have surfaced that Crabtree would re-enter the draft in 2010 and wait for the money he thinks he deserves.

Crabtree would be way behind if he did join the Niners. He missed key days of development during a rigorous training camp. He also sat out the 49ers' offseason minicamps and organized team activities while recovering from a foot injury, but was a regular presence at team headquarters for rehabilitation and strengthening workouts.

Crabtree caught 97 passes for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns last year during his sophomore season at Texas Tech. He finished his college career with 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 TDs.