Bears place Hillenmeyer on injured reserve

CHICAGO, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Chicago Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer has been placed on injured reserve due to lingering concussion effects, the team said Tuesday.

Hillenmeyer, 29, was injured during an Aug. 28 pre-season contest against Arizona. Despite passing a battery of tests before the Bears' season-opening game Sunday, he became ill and was taken out at halftime.

"Player health and safety has and always will be a priority with our organization," Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo said. "Unlike other injuries, there is no defined timetable for a concussion. After consulting with our doctors and Hunter, this was the best way to proceed."

Hillenmeyer started 13 of 14 games last season after star linebacker Brian Urlacher suffered a season-ending injury in the Bears' opener.

"I have mixed emotions," Hillenmeyer said. "I respect the decision of Jerry (Angelo) and (head Coach) Lovie (Smith) to place me on injured reserve. Concussions by nature are harder to evaluate than other injuries."