Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is dealing with a personal matter, and his status for the next few days is uncertain, according to two sources.

Urlacher is coming off a brilliant performance in the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, when he made a key diving interception late in the first quarter and recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown.

He also led the Bears with 10 tackles.

A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Urlacher grew up in Lovington, New Mexico and starred at at the University of New Mexico.

UPDATE from CHICAGO TRIBUNE: Brian Urlacher rushed out of town Tuesday to attend to a family emergency in Arizona involving his mother, the Tribune has learned.

Urlacher is expected to be away from the Bears for several days and his status for Sunday’s game against the Saints is unclear. Teammates, the coaching staff and members of the front office are aware of Urlacher’s situation but no further information was available Tuesday night.

UPDATED: 9/24/11 – 2:24 PM – Brian Urlacher’s mother has passed away. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts during this very tragic time.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times, Sean Jensen