Bears’ QB Cutler To Return Sunday Against Seattle

Added on Oct 12, 2010 by Jason Kearney in

NFL

Chicago Bears’ coach Lovie Smith did some wishful thinking in Monday’s press conference, speculating that Jay Cutler would be able to return against the Seattle Seahawks this weekend. Earlier today, he got what he wanted. Cutler has been cleared by team doctors to return to action and is expected to get the start on Sunday. With the team’s #1 quarterback back in action the Bears can now solidify their backup situation which has become something of an issue following Todd Collins bad performance in the win at Carolina this past weekend.

To start with, Collins has been demoted to #3 on the quarterback depth chart behind Caleb Hanie. Hanie, a third year player out of Colorado State, played reasonably well after Collins got the hook. At his Monday presser, Lovie ducked and dodged questions about the quarterback rotation:

“There is no quarterback controversy or anything like that. Todd didn’t play as well as he needed to finishing the game and I liked what Caleb Hanie was able to do coming in. ”

“We’ll just continue to watch video, look at the group and see who gives us the best chance to win. We haven’t changed anything right now. The same way we went into the game is where everybody is listed right now. We haven’t made any of those types of decisions.”

Despite his equivocation on Monday, multiple sources are reporting that the move has now been made. Furthermore, the Bears are considering whether or not to release the 38 year old Collins. Heading into the season the team had hoped to carry only two quarterbacks on the roster. That plan was put on the back burner when Hanie suffered an injury early in the preseason. With Cutler’s return and Hanie performing well in relief, Collins’ days may be numbered. If he is able to keep his job this season, it could be financially motivated–should the Bears release him they’d be on the hook for his entire $1 million salary even if he should sign with another team. Smith would like to go with the two quarterbacks to shore up depth elsewhere, but for the time being Collins is still on the team.