Bears’ Brian Urlacher done

Has surgery on wrist

By Herald Wire Services

Chicago star linebacker Brian Urlacher underwent surgery yesterday 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.

The injury 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.

Urlacher played in the second quarter but left on the Packers’ first drive of the second half.

Garcia Phils in

Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid confirmed the team has signed Jeff Garcia, a 10-year veteran who played for Philadelphia in 2006 and went 6-2 in eight starts - including the playoffs - while Donovan McNabb was injured.

The Eagles needed a backup quarterback in case McNabb, who suffered a broken rib in Philadelphia’s 38-10 win against Carolina in the season opener, is not able to play this week against the New Orleans Saints.

Third-year pro Kevin Kolb filled in for McNabb and will start this week if McNabb is out, according to Reid. . . .

The Carolina Panthers have to come to terms with veteran quarterback A.J. Feeley and have placed backup Josh McCown on injured reserve. McCown injured his left knee and ankle in a loss to Philadelphia in relief of struggling starter Jake Delhomme.

Lawyer backs Ben

A lawyer says an affidavit from a woman who is accusing Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of rape shouldn’t be allowed as part of the court record in the case.

Margo Piscevich, an attorney for seven Harrah’s Lake Tahoe employees also named as defendants in the woman’s lawsuit, said the woman’s affidavit contains “nothing more or less than media grandstanding.”

The attorney says the affidavit filed last week in Washoe District Court in Reno, Nev., is largely composed of immaterial and scandalous allegations that don’t meet the standards required under the rules of the court.

Meawhile, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu doesn’t need knee surgery and says “the best case scenario” is that he will be back in 3-6 as expected. . . .

No Gonzo news

One day after losing wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez in a 14-12 victory against Jacksonville, Colts coach Jim Caldwell declined to elaborate on the severity of Gonzalez’ right knee injury or say how much time the third-year receiver may miss. . . .

New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (sprained left foot) and running back Danny Ware (dislocated left elbow) probably are going to be sidelined at least two weeks with injuries sustained in the season opener. . . .

Jacksonville Jaguars [team stats] defensive end Reggie Hayward broke his left leg Sunday at Indianapolis and will miss the rest of the season. . . .

Denver Broncos linebacker Spencer Larsen will miss a few weeks after injuring his shoulder in a freak fall in the locker room at Cincinnati.

Jets in probe

NFL hopes to rule this week on the New York Jets [team stats]’ failure to report an injury to Brett Favre last season. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league was conducting interviews on the issue.

The Jets waived cornerback Marquice Cole to make room for the reinstatement of suspended defensive end Shaun Ellis. . . .

Coach Mike Singletary said the San Francisco 49ers have discussed changing their five-year, $20 million offer to top draft pick Michael Crabtree. . . .

The Seattle Seahawks have brought back recently released linebacker D.D. Lewis to reinforce a hurting linebacking unit. . . .

Running back Verron Haynes re-signed with the Atlanta Falcons only two days after he was released.