"Even when Brian Urlacher left the Bears to grieve with his family after the sudden death of his mother, Lavoyda Lenard, it was expected that he would play against the Saints. But teammates were surprised to see him back so quickly Thursday.

''Brian's a warrior,'' defensive tackle Henry Melton said. ''I don't even know how I would handle that kind of loss. I reach out to him. It's a tough situation. He's amazing to be back [after two days].''

After leaving town Tuesday and missing practice Wednesday, Urlacher returned to Halas Hall and participated fully in practice. "