Linebacker Brian Urlacher went through his second straight full practice this week on Wednesday and continues to show no sign of problems with his surgically repaired left knee.

Coach Lovie Smith admitted it's possible Urlacher could say he's ready to play, but could be overruled by the team.

"Sure, guys of course are always going to say that they're ready to go," Smith said. "We'll always watch them and make that final decision. You want a player to always go. We'll help him out if it comes to that, but I don't think it will."

Urlacher had only four days of practice in camp before he was sidelined. He is wearing a brace on his knee in practice.

Solid front: Offensive line coach Mike Tice emerged from preseason more positive than ever about his starting offensive line, the biggest question about the team heading into training camp.

"I think we gave up four sacks in the last three games against some good fronts," Tice said. "We threw it more than we ran it, so we had some good tests and we had some teams that blitzed some, and we played a couple road games."

 Old scar: Tice brought an old injury problem back to light when he said T Gabe Carimi will have to be monitored closely due to the surgery he had on his right knee. "I don't believe he's all the way back yet," Tice said. "The endurance in his leg is going to come with game time. We're going to certainly be very careful of it if it appears that he's getting tired."

Tice said Chris Williams could replace him if this occurred.

"I'm anxious to see him play," Tice said. "I thought he came on real well at the end of preseason, really was run-blocking well toward the end of preseason and pass protection has gotten better."

Back at work: Punter Adam Podlesh returned to work from a hip-flexor injury and boomed some punts to his potential replacement in Week 1, Ryan Quigley. Defensive tackle Stephen Paea's ankle injury is of no concern now and he wasn't even listed on the injury report. 

Missing: The only injured player in terms of missing time is RB Lorenzo Booker (head). He has sat out every practice since his injury against Cleveland in the preseason finale."

Starting fullback: Rookie TE Evan Rodriguez was listed as the No. 1 fullback on the depth chart, although there really is no fullback on the roster after Tyler Clutts was cut. Rodriguez is more of an H-back. Kyle Adams also plays the position.

Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLCHI.