Bears' Urlacher reportedly out for rest of regular season

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears have to brace themselves for the possibility of Brian Urlacher missing at least the rest of the regular season.

Multiple sources told the Chicago Tribune that Urlacher won't play for the next three games at a minimum after suffering a Grade 2 (partial rupture) right hamstring strain during Sunday's 23-17 overtime loss to the Seahawks. An MRI confirmed the severity of Urlacher's injury.

Nick Roach is expected to make his fourth career start at middle linebacker in place of Urlacher, with Geno Hayes expected to take Roach's usual strongside linebacker spot.

The Bears (8-4) have four more regular-season games, starting with Sunday's division matchup against the Vikings in Minnesota. Urlacher hopes to recover in time for the playoffs, which start with wild-card weekend games Jan. 5-6.

When reached by the Tribune, Urlacher declined to discuss the injury or his playing status. He initially felt a "pop" while chasing Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson near the sideline during overtime. Urlacher pulled himself from the game before the final play.

The Bears also have signed linebacker Dom DeCicco for depth.

Cornerback Griffin suspended four games

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Redskins cornerback Cedric Griffin has been suspended four games without pay for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Griffin's suspension was announced Tuesday and begins immediately. He will miss the rest of the regular season and be eligible to return to the active roster on Dec. 31, after the team's Dec. 30 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Rhodes confirms

argument with Dockett

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona safety Kerry Rhodes has confirmed he had a run-in with teammate Darnell Dockett at the end of Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

"Yes, we had a disagreement on the field but, no he did NOT spit in my face. Absolutely did not," Rhodes said in an email released by the Cardinals. "I'm not going to get into all the details because I think those are things you keep within the team. But Darnell and I talked after the game, we're both moving on and I'll leave it at that."

In other news, the Cardinals released Todd Heap, bringing an end to the former All-Pro tight end's brief, injury-plagued time in the desert.

Heap appeared in just two games with Arizona this season, catching eight passes for 94 yards.

Notes

• New England placed wide receiver Julian Edelman on injured reserve with a foot injury and signed Donte' Stallworth at that position.

Edelman scored five touchdowns this season — three on receptions, one on a punt return and one on a fumble recovery. But he left Sun Life Stadium Sunday on crutches, wearing a walking boot on his right foot. Edelman may have broken his foot, but the Patriots provided no details of the injury.

• Jacksonville waived Clint Session, parting ways with the veteran linebacker who has missed significant time following three concussions.

• Left tackle Jake Long was placed on injured reserve by Miami because of a left triceps injury, ending his season and perhaps his tenure with the team.

The perennial Pro Bowl pick and No. 1 overall choice in the 2008 draft was hurt in Sunday's loss to New England. Long might have played his final game for Miami because he can become an unrestricted free agent this winter.

• Grady Allen, the father of Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen and a former NFL linebacker, has died. He was 66.

The Raiders said that Grady Allen died overnight from cardiac arrest.

• Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr collapsed during a speech in Madison, Wis. Conference organizers say he appears to be OK. The Green Bay Packers legend, 78, finished speaking at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority conference then collapsed on stage.

By Seattle Times news services