Bears linebacker Lance Briggs says Packers tight end Jermichael Finley should be quiet and called him an idiot. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Leading up to Sunday’s game between long-time rivals the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, Packers tight end Jermichael Finley said that the Bears could be better off without linebacker Brian Urlacher, implying that the 34-year old Urlacher has lost a step.

Bears linebacker Lance Briggs response to that statement was short and simple.

“He’s an idiot,” Briggs said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “Just suit up and play ball. His comments aren’t going to change the outcome of the game, they’re not going to help him or anybody else play better. Doesn’t really matter.”

Finley tried to back off his statement on Twitter saying that Urlacher is a Hall of Fame player and person.  Urlacher is not expected to play against the Packers because of a hamstring injury.  The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10 in September and hold a one-game lead over the Bears in the NFC North.

Urlacher is a hall of fame player and person. I meant no disrespect to him in previous comments, I was simply trying to explain that—
Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) December 13, 2012

The Chicago Bears have agreed to a one-year contract extension with linebacker Lance Briggs, who is currently under contract through 2014, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Chicago Bears agreed to a one-year contract extension with LB Lance Briggs, who's now under contract through the 2014 season. Â Â Â Â Â Â

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 11, 2012

Briggs, 31, is a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. He will be entering his 10^th season with the Bears this year.

Last season he recorded 105 tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception. Throughout his career with the Bears he has made 969 tackles, 14 forced fumbles, and had 13 interceptions.

Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers has been added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster today, according to the team’s official Twitter account.

LM: #Bears DE Julius Peppers has been added to NFC Pro Bowl roster, replacing the Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul.

—
ChicagoBears.com (@ChicagoBearscom) January 23, 2012

Voted in as a first alternate, Peppers will replace the Super Bowl bound Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

Peppers totaled 11 sacks in 2011, five tackles-for-loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.  The 32-year-old is currently tied for third most sacks (100) in the NFL since he was drafted in 2002 by the Carolina Panthers.

While the Bears’ Pro Bowl selected linebackers Brian Urlacher (knee) and Lance Briggs (ankle) will be sidelined due to injuries, running back Matt Forte, cornerback Charles Tillman and special teams standout Corey Graham are expected to play in Hawaii.