LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears strongside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa needs season-ending surgery to repair ligament damage in his right knee.

Coach Lovie Smith said Tinoisamoa was "just disappointed" that he never got to show what he could do for the Bears after signing a one-year deal in May.

The former University of Hawaii standout was carted from the sideline during last week's 21-14 loss at Atlanta after injuring the knee for the second time this season. He had just returned after tearing the posterior cruciate ligament in the season opener at Green Bay.

The Bears have been hit hard by injuries at linebacker. They lost six-time Pro Bowler Brian Urlacher for the season after he dislocated his right wrist against the Packers. Hunter Hillenmeyer practiced yesterday for the first time since he injured ribs at Seattle on Sept. 27.

ELSEWHERE

Bills: Buffalo receiver James Hardy is back at practice for the first time since tearing a ligament in his left knee last December. Yesterday was the first day the second-year player was eligible to begin practicing with the team after opening the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. The Bills (2-4), who play at Carolina on Sunday, have three weeks to determine whether to activate Hardy or place him on the injured reserve list, ending his season.

Browns: Cleveland was sacked by the flu as 12 players, including Pro Bowl nose tackle Shaun Rogers and five other starters, missed yesterday's practice. Coach Eric Mangini scaled back the workout in hopes of keeping his healthy players from getting sick. He's also emphasizing preventive measures to stop the virus from spreading deeper through the team. If players are showing any symptoms, the Browns are sending them home.

Patriots: New England linebacker Adalius Thomas says he's doing fine after being healthy but on the inactive list for the first time since his rookie season in 2000. Thomas said yesterday he was shocked when he found out just before last Sunday's 59-0 win over the Tennessee Titans that he wouldn't be playing. Coach Bill Belichick has said he activates players based on who gives the Patriots the best chance to win.