Jay Cutler summed up his status for Sunday by saying " I don't know, we'll see." It sounded like vintage Cutler- the shorter the answer, the better. But its about as honest and accurate as he could be. Cutler said he's feeling "a lot" better but is following the lead of doctors and team trainers. "It's about practice right now and he has been cleared and is good to go for practice...on a limited basis, " was the Lovie Smith's version of an update.
But there are still a couple steps to take before we see #6 behind center on Sunday. After a limited practice Thursday and no symptoms return, Cutler will be re-evaluated by an independent neurologist. Then he can be cleared to fully practice and again- with no symptoms, he can return to game action on Sunday. Sounds a lot like "we'll see."
He does sound eager to return, despite the beating his back up took on Monday night. Cutler said he knows the offensive line is better than the way they looked, and "we have to help some how." Jason Campbell said Cutler offered encouragement recognizing the tough position Campbell was put in...against one of the best defenses in the league.
Cutler would have taken the same beating in San Francisco. The severe inconsistency of the o-line is a huge concern. The Bears can not accomplish what they want to this season with the offensive line playing as they are now. So the Bears are evaluating- everything. Mike Tice said changes are not out of the realm of possibility, but they technically don't have a ton of options. Even fewer after starting LG Chilo Rachel suddenly left the team for personal reasons today. Rachel may return, but if/when remains the question.
So the search for answers continues. Roberto Garza said what happened Monday was unacceptable, and won't happen again. He's confident in saying that, because of the guys in that O-line room. They know they have to prove themselves again, but they also know there's no such thing as job security in this league. Its a week to week evaluation. This may be the only time the Bears are glad to have a short one. Get the bad taste from Monday out of their mouths- so bad not even a Thanksgiving meal can change it. Sunday can not come quickly enough.
INJURY REPORT: Shea McClellin is ahead of Cutler in the concussion recovery department. McClellin has been cleared to fully participate in practice and if no symptoms return he will play Sunday. That was according to Lovie, Shea told us he's 100%. Total bummer about Alshon Jeffry. A minor knee scope puts him back on the sidelines another 2-4 weeks. What a rookie year he's going through.
And prayers for Chilo Rachel- whatever the personal reasons, he's been through a lot in his on and off the field.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Monday, May 13 2013 12:14 AM EDT2013-05-13 04:14:12 GMT
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp...
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp that ended...
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:39 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:39:02 GMT
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
