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NFL Week One Preview

>>LB Urlacher Set For Season Opener, Colts' Collie Questionable

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher anticipates no problems from his surgically repaired left knee heading into Sunday's opener with the Indianapolis Colts.

Urlacher continues to practice without pain and expects to be able to come back from the opener and play only four days later at Green Bay. He had the knee scoped on Aug. 14.

Urlacher says he expects he and the Bears' veteran defense will be tested by Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck.

Although the defense has five starters 31 or older -- including the 34-year-old Urlacher -- they believe their better understanding of the cover-2 scheme will make them no less effective this season.

Indianapolis Colts receiver Austin Collie says he is day to day as he prepares for the opener against the Chicago Bears.

Collie sustained his third diagnosed concussion since the start of the 2010 season in the second preseason game of 2012. He did not return to practice until this week.

Colts coach Chuck Pagano said this week that Collie is "full go." Collie would not say Thursday if he's been fully cleared, saying "there is no definite timetable."

Collie says he is practicing at full speed. He has switched helmets at the recommendation of former teammate Dallas Clark, who has dealt with concussion issues of his own.

>>Luck To Make Colts' Debut Against Bears

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Indianapolis Colts begin a new era as they open against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.  Peyton Manning is gone as top overall draft pick Andrew Luck takes the quarterback reins for the Colts.  Manning missed the entire 2011 season with a neck injury and was released in March.  Without him, the Colts finished just 2-and-14.  In addition to Luck, the Colts also feature new head coach Chuck Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson.  The Bears look to bounce back from an injury-riddled campaign that saw them finish 8-and-8.  Chicago lost QB Jay Cutler to a thumb injury in Week 11 and promptly went on a five-game losing streak that took them out of playoff contention.  Matt Forte is now flanked by Michael Bush in the ground game, while wide receiver Brandon Marshall comes over from Miami to give Cutler a new weapon in the air.

>>Fisher-Led Rams Face Surging Lions

(Detroit, MI)  --  The St. Louis Rams look to bounce back from a dismal 2-and-14 campaign as they open against the high-powered Detroit Lions at Ford Field.  Former longtime Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher returns to the NFL to take over a rebuilding project that features veteran running back Steven Jackson and third-year quarterback Sam Bradford.  The Rams have added Pro Bowl center Scott Wells after surrendering a league-high 55 sacks last season.  The Lions are looking to take the next step after going 10-and-6 and earning a Wild Card berth last season.  It was Detroit's first playoff appearance since 1999.  Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson remain one of the league's premier passing combos, while the defensive front is anchored by imposing tackle Ndamukong Suh.

>>Luck, RG3, Peyton Highlight Season's First Sunday

(Undated)  --  Week One of the NFL season is set to kick into high gear on Sunday.  Thirteen games will be played, with a record five rookies starting at quarterback.  Second overall pick Robert Griffin the Third and the Redskins play the Saints in New Orleans.  The Saints will try to overcome offseason bounty suspensions that included a season-long ban for head coach Sean Payton and linebacker Jonathan Vilma.  Rookie QB's Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson and Brandon Weeden will also start for the Dolphins, Seahawks and Browns, respectively.  Tim Tebow [[ TEE-boh ]] is now the backup to Mark Sanchez in New York, where the Jets host the Bills.  The Sunday slate ends with a night game between the Steelers and Broncos in Denver.  It marks the return of quarterback Peyton Manning, who missed all of 2011 with Indianapolis following a series of neck surgeries.  The Broncos signed the future Hall of Famer after he was released by the Colts in March.  Week One wraps up with a pair of games on Monday night as the Bengals and Ravens meet in Baltimore and the Chargers and Raiders clash in Oakland.

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