NFL
Bears awaiting word on McQuarters' injury
By The Source
Aug 30, 2004

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bears may have a severely depleted secondary when they open the 2004 NFL season on September 12 against the Detroit Lions, due to an injury to cornerback R.W. McQuarters.

McQuarters pulled his right hamstring in Friday's exhibition game against the New Orleans Saints. Chicago is still awaiting word on the extent of the injury.

"I don't know exactly how bad it is," said head coach Lovie Smith. "But it's a hamstring pull. That's all I really know right now. I guess he'll be out a while."

McQuarters, an Oklahoma State product, played in all 16 games for Chicago last season, his sixth in the NFL. He recorded 38 tackles and a pair of interceptions.

The Bears are already without starting cornerback Jerry Azumah for 3-4 months after he underwent surgery for a herniated disk in his neck.