Cutler Practices, Will Start Sunday Against Browns
By Adam Hoge-
HALAS HALL (CBS) — Jay Cutler practiced Thursday and will be the Bears' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Browns, head coach Marc Trestman confirmed.
During individual drills, which were open to the media, Cutler took the first quarterback reps and showed no signs of being limited by his left ankle injury. He was fluid in his drops, moved around with ease and had no trouble putting weight on his left leg when following through. Last week, when Cutler was practicing on a limited basis, Josh McCown took the first quarterback reps during individual drills.
Thursday was Cutler's first full practice since suffering the high ankle sprain Nov. 10 against the Lions.
Cutler went through a full-speed workout Wednesday at Halas Hall, passing his final test to take back his starting job from Josh McCown, who was named NFC Offensive Player Of The Week after throwing for 348 yards and accounting for five touchdowns against the Cowboys Monday night.
Thursday was the Bears' first practice since beating Dallas and Trestman wanted his starter taking all the reps with the No. 1 unit. Cutler was cleared just in time to go full-speed in practice and take those reps.
Meanwhile, Bears linebacker Lance Briggs wore a helmet and participated in individual drills for the first time since fracturing his shoulder Oct. 20 against the Redskins. He was limited in practice and Trestman is not optimistic the linebacker will be able to play Sunday.
Adam Hoge covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.
