Jay Cutler Cleared to Play Sunday

Chicago Bears starting quarterback Jay Cutler has been cleared to play Sunday in the team’s NFC North divisional game versus the Minnesota Vikings.

Cutler has been by the Bears medical staff after suffering a concussion in Chicago’s 13-6 loss on November 11 versus the Houston Texans. The injury occurred late in the first half of the game when Cutler was crushed on a helmet-to-helmet hit by Texans defensive back Tim Dobbins after crossing the line of scrimmage while attempting an illegal pass.

Cutler then missed the team’s next game, an embarrassing 32-7 loss at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers the following week on Monday Night Football. During that loss Bears back up quarterback Jason Campbell made the start for Chicago but was extremely ineffective as he passed for just 107 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while completing 14 of his 22 pass attempts as the Bears looked over-matched from the beginning of the contest until the final gun.

On Friday, Cutler was a limited participant in the team’s practice and was given his clearance to play on Sunday, Saturday following an evaluation conducted by an independent neurologist.

Bears head coach Lovie Smith had the following to say regarding Cutler and his status for Sunday’s game, “He has progressed as we wanted him to do. As I’ve said, it’s looking good. One more step to get him evaluated by an independent neurologist. Jay Cutler is getting better, was able to do more than he did yesterday.”

This will be important divisional game for both the Vikings and Bears as they both need a win to improve their chances at reaching the postseason. Chicago is currently 7-3 and in a first place tie with the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North while Minnesota is 6-4 and one game behind both teams for first place in the division.