Bears' Jay Cutler Cleared To Return From Thumb Sprain
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has been cleared to return from his thumb injury and is back as the team's starter.
With Brian Hoyer likely to be placed on injured reserve after having surgery for his broken arm, Cutler's return comes at a needy time for the Bears. He now has a full week to prepare for the team's Monday night contest with the Vikings next week.
Cutler suffered a thumb sprain during the Bears' Week 2 loss to the Eagles. Coach John Fox stated Monday that it was considered to be a four-to-six-week injury. It has been six weeks since the injury.
Hoyer assumed the role of starter for the Bears and became the first quarterback in team history to throw for more than 300 yards and zero interceptions in four straight contests. However, the offense still struggled to find the end zone in that time, and the Bears won just one game.
During the second quarter of last Thursday's loss in Green Bay, Hoyer suffered a broken left arm. He's expected to be placed on IR, Fox said Monday, meaning his season should likely be over. Third-string quarterback Matt Barkley took over for Hoyer against the Packers, throwing two interceptions in the loss.
The Bears (1-6) could still add another quarterback to their depth chart this week. Their game week doesn't start until Wednesday, meaning there's time to reconfigure the depth chart.
Cutler will make his 100th start as Bears quarterback when he faces the Vikings. In a game-and-a-half this season, he completed 28 of 46 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown to two interceptions.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
