Bears to be at Urlacher's mother's service

CHICAGO, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- The Chicago Bears said Coach Lovie Smith and Chairman George McCaskey will be in the team's contingent at the New Mexico funeral of Brian Urlacher's mother.

The Chicago middle linebacker's mother, Lavoyda Lenard, died unexpectedly Monday at her home in Texas.

The team said President Ted Phillips, General Manager Jerry Angelo, linebackers coach Bob Babich and linebacker Lance Briggs will also be attending the service Saturday morning in Lovington, N.M., the Chicago Tribune reported Friday.

"Brian is family,'' Smith said. "We see it like a family member passed away. So of course we're going to be there. The Bears will be represented well. We want to be there to show our support and help Brian as much as we can through a tough time.''

Urlacher returned to practice Thursday and is expected to start Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.