Jay Cutler Feeling Better As Chicago Bears Begin Prep For San Francisco 49ers

The status of quarterback Jay Cutler for Monday Night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers remains in question. Cutler sustained what some believe to be his sixth concussion of his career on Sunday night and this week has been cluttered with speculation over whether or not Cutler will be the team’s starting quarterback come next Monday night. The Bears, despite what some may believe, properly responded to Cutler’s concussion during the game on Sunday. Now, many–including former players–are advising the Bears to handle Cutler’s recovery properly.

Nov 11, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) rushes the ball against Houston Texans inside linebacker Tim Dobbins (52) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-US PRESSWIRE

There should be no question over whether or not the Bears will handle Cutler’s concussion properly. Whether it was Cutler’s concussion in 2010 or the many concussions that were linked to former Bears’ linebacker Hunter Hillenmyer, the Bears have a track record of handling concussions with the utmost caution. In 2010, the Bears held Cutler out of a game against the Carolina Panthers after the quarterback suffered a concussion against the New York Giants.

Regardless of whether or not Cutler will be the starting quarterback on Monday, Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith took to the podium on Wednesday to address the media on where things stand with Cutler. Cutler was among the Bears players at Halas Hall on Wednesday to begin their preparation for the San Francisco 49ers. While Cutler is restricted from talking to the media until he is medically cleared, Smith did indicate that the quarterback’s symptoms from the concussion were beginning to subside.

"“I know a lot of you would like to know about Jay Cutler and how he is doing,” Smith said. “He is getting better. Still evaluating him. He’s meeting with people. Seeing medical staff, our trainers and all of that. But he is getting better. We do have a little bit more time and that is always good.” Chicago Tribune"

The Chicago Bears don’t begin practicing until Thursday, and by all accounts, Cutler will not be among the Bears players on the practice field on Thursday. The positive news is that Cutler is indeed feeling better, and that he is being evaluated by the team’s medical staff and trainers. But don’t take Smith’s comments as meaning that Cutler already underwent his evaluation by an independent physician. Smith did not comment on where things stand on Cutler being cleared for Monday’s game. With the Bears’ next game not being until Monday, Cutler does have an additional day to receive clearance to play. However, the guess here is that Cutler will be inactive against the 49ers.

Thursday is generally when offensive players take to the podium when the Bears have a Monday Night Game, it will be interesting to see who addresses the media or if there is an update on the status of Cutler.