Cutler Ruled Out Sunday Vs. Rams
By Adam Hoge-
HALAS HALL (CBS) Bears head coach Marc Trestman confirmed quarterback Jay Cutler will miss his second consecutive game Sunday when the Bears play the Rams.
Trestman said Cutler is still "week-to-week" with a high ankle sprain.
Veteran backup Josh McCown will get his third start of the season in Cutler's place. He's 2-0 as a starter this year, including Sunday's 23-20 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens.
McCown completed 19-of-31 passes for 216 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions Sunday for a passer rating of 92.9.
There's still no debate as to who the Bears' starter is when Cutler gets healthy though.
"Jay is the quarterback of our football team and Josh is our backup quarterback and the three of us all know that," Trestman said.
Paea Likely Out, While McClellin Could Return
Nose tackle Stephen Paea aggravated his existing toe injury Sunday and is considered "week-to-week", meaning the Bears most likely won't have him Sunday against the Rams. Consider it another blow for a defensive line riddled by injuries. Paea missed two games earlier this season because of the injury.
The good news is that Trestman expects defensive end Shea McClellin to return to practice Wednesday after missing two games with a hamstring injury. That will help the depth on the end as Corey Wootton will have to continue to play inside with Paea out.
Unfortunately it doesn't look like newcomer Jeremiah Ratliff will be ready by Sunday. Trestman said he's still "week-to-week" with his groin injury. Ratliff was at Halas Hall Monday working out. Conditioning is a factor in when he can start playing as the defensive tackle has not played in a game this season.
Linebacker Lance Briggs, meanwhile, is "still a couple of weeks away," according to Trestman. Briggs is still rehabbing the shoulder injury he suffered Oct. 20 against the Redskins. It sounds like the Dec. 9 Monday Night Football game against the Cowboys at Soldier Field is the target date for his return.
Adam Hoge covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.
