Bears Blitz

Jay Cutler Injury: Updates on Bears Star’s Shoulder and Return

Published by Tim Daniels on November 21, 2016
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a shoulder injury in Week 11 against the New York Giants that could end his season.

Continue for updates.

Cutler Out vs. Titans

Sunday, Nov. 27

The Bears announced that Cutler is inactive against Tennessee and that Matt Barkley will start.

Latest on Cutler’s Diagnosis and Recovery

Sunday, Nov. 27

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Cutler is dealing with a partially torn labrum:

After a battery of tests and multiple medical opinions, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is dealing with a partially torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, according to several sources informed of his condition.

In addition to the injury, he’s also dealing with significant wear-and-tear on this right shoulder from years of bumps, bruises and countless throws. The result is painful tendonitis that threatens to end his season.

The Bears announced several roster moves Wednesday, including tight end Zach Miller going to injured reserve and the signing of quarterback David Fales to the active roster, but did not announce Cutler was placed on injured reserve.

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported on Nov. 22 that Cutler is done for the season and may have played his last snap as a member of the Bears:

Latest on Cutler’s Practice Status

Friday, Nov. 25

The Bears announced Cutler did not participate in practice for the third straight day on Friday.

Fox Comments on Cutler’s Injury

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Bears head coach John Fox said Cutler’s injury is not season-ending and that he is considered day-to-day, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. He also would not rule Cutler out against the Titans in Week 12, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com.

Fox also called Cutler “a tough son of a gun,” per Around the NFL.

Cutler’s Injury Would Be Latest Blow to QB Depth

Cutler is still one of the NFL’s most enigmatic quarterbacks in his 11th season. He’s always possessed the arm talent to succeed, as evidenced by a mostly strong 2015 campaign, but his questionable decision-making skills have become an issue again this season.

The 33-year-old Vanderbilt product is also no stranger to injuries. He hasn’t played all 16 regular-season games since 2009, his first year in Chicago. Most recently, he missed several weeks of action this season because of a thumb injury.

If the veteran is forced back to the sidelines, Barkley is in line to take the reins of the Bears offense after a brief cameo in October.

The team may also look to free agency to add a veteran backup for stability purposes.

Cutler is under contract with Chicago through the 2020 campaign. But his up-and-down play and injury concerns make it unclear how long the Bears will stick with him as their top option at the sport’s most important position.