Bears' Jay Cutler Still Working His Way Back
By Chris Emma—
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) – Jay Cutler stood on a makeshift podium to the side of Halas Hall after Thursday's practice. He donned a navy blue team-issued hat and his orange non-contact jersey, speaking of the uncertainty of his situation.
Now just 11 days since his pulled hamstring suffered against the Cardinals on Sept. 20, Cutler is attempting to work his way back for Sunday's contest with the Raiders (2-1).
"We're doing well," Cutler said on Thursday after practicing in a limited fashion. "We're not really putting a timetable on this. It's kind of day-to-day. We are where we are."
Meanwhile, in Cutler's view over the assembled cameras, Bears backup quarterbacks Jimmy Clausen and David Fales were hard at work. The entire team had cleared from the practice field, but the two backups were readying themselves.
Cutler's status remains an unknown, all depending on how his hamstring's feeling. He's day-to-day, making coach John Fox's go-to injury description especially true. If Cutler can handle the tasks of a quarterback – bouncing in the pocket, evading rushers and making strong throws – he will play.
"If you got to move, you got to use your hamstring," Cutler said. "It comes into play from time to time."
The Bears are unsure of who their starting quarterback will be: Cutler, Clausen or possibly even Fales could get the call. Receiver Eddie Royal offered a coy response, saying he doesn't pay attention to who's leading the offense. Yet, most players and coaches don't know, because it all relies on Cutler's hamstring.
Adam Gase, the Bears' first-year offensive coordinator, must maneuver his schemes around the possibilities at quarterback.
"For me, it's just having a plan for whoever coach Fox tells me is going to go," Gase said. "It's not a thing of what plays we're really running, it's just the style of play for that particular game. So, you put your plan together, and then you just be ready to move some things around."
Clausen got the start last Sunday in Seattle, struggling within a dry offensive plan. He finished the game 9-of-17 for just 63 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and very few risks taken.
Looking back, Clausen wished he could've had some more deep throws called.
"It's frustrating for any quarterback," Clausen said. "Quarterbacks want to throw the ball downfield. But that's not our job to make the game plan. It's the coaches' job, and it's our job to go out and execute it."
Whoever starts at quarterback for the Bears could get a big boost, with top receiver Alshon Jeffery practicing for the second straight day. He, too, is recovering from a hamstring injury and faces an unknown status for Sunday despite making progress.
Jeffery denied any possibility that his upcoming contract negotiations have reduced his desire to play injured.
"That'll take care of itself," Jeffery said of his contract. "I'm just trying to get healthy, play football for the Bears and have a great season."
The Bears (0-3) aren't required to release a detailed injury report until Friday. Statuses for Cutler and Jeffery will most likely be set as "questionable," leaving a bit of mystery for the Raiders leading up to Sunday.
However, players and coaches expressed confidence in their offensive game plan, whether it's Cutler or Clausen leading the charge.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
