Cutler Returns To Practice But Won't Play Monday
By Adam Hoge-
HALAS HALL (CBS) — Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was back at practice Thursday, but head coach Marc Trestman ruled both him and linebacker Lance Briggs out for Monday night's game against the Cowboys.
Cutler (high ankle sprain) practiced on a limited basis, while Josh McCown still took all the reps with the first team and will get the start.
"We want to be very, very careful," Trestman said. "I was encouraged today just by the work that (Cutler) got in considering the injury wasn't that long ago. So we'll see where he is next week. But it was a good first day for him to come out and get some work. I thought he threw the ball very, very well."
When asked if he thought Cutler would play again this season, Trestman responded: "Absolutely."
Briggs, meanwhile, did not practice and the veteran linebacker is also out for Monday's game, as he still recovers from a fractured bone in his shoulder.
The Bears originally said the linebacker would be out "around six weeks." Sunday will mark seven weeks since he suffered the injury Oct. 20 against the Redskins, which is why Monday's game against the Cowboys appeared to be a logical date for his return.
"He's in the conditioning process. He ran quite a bit today. He'll see the doctors early in the week next week and they'll see where he's at," Trestman said.
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall also sat out Thursday's practice. He has a quadriceps injury, but also tweeted out a picture Thursday morning of him getting treatment on his left arm.
Meanwhile, right guard Kyle Long (ankle) practiced in full and safety Major Wright, who missed Sunday's game against the Vikings with a hamstring injury, was limited.
Adam Hoge covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.
