Bears' Urlacher leaves team after mother's death

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher has left the team following the death of his mother.

The team said Urlacher's mother, Lavoyda, died unexpectedly at her home in Texas.

"My first priority right now is to be with my family as we mourn her loss and make the arrangements to lay her to rest," Urlacher said in a statement released by the Bears. "This is a very difficult and emotional time for us and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy."

It wasn't clear whether Urlacher will be back for practice or in time for Sunday's game at New Orleans. He missed Wednesday's practice.

Quarterback Jay Cutler called Urlacher the "heart and soul" of the team and said he is irreplaceable. Urlacher had 10 tackles, an interception and a fumble return for a touchdown in Chicago's opening win over Atlanta.