Jay Cutler Has Sprained MCL

(CBS/AP)Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a sprained ligament in his left knee and would have been questionable had Chicago made it to the Super Bowl.

That assessment came Monday from coach Lovie Smith. He says Cutler sprained his medial collateral ligament in Sunday's 21-14 loss to Green Bay in the NFC Championship game.

Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa said he feels sympathy for Cutler, who missed most of the second half when Chicago rallied for two touchdowns behind backup Caleb Hanie.

Asked about Cutler on Monday, Hanie said: "He's limping around and feels bad that we lost."

Shortly after he left the game, the Bears QB was widely criticized by fellow players for his perceived lack of toughness with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.