Cutler Practices, Signs Point To Playing On Sunday

Update: After being sacked nine times and suffering a concussion Sunday night, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was back at practice Wednesday and could play next week against the Panthers.

CBS 2's Megan Mawicke reports that one thing you can't question about the spunky quarterback is his toughness.

Jay Cutler was back on the practice field Wednesday after being clobbered by the Giants and suffering a concussion in the first half.

It was an encouraging sign, because he needed to be medically cleared by a doctor before he could practice following a concussion.

"We have a process that we go through. Our doctors, through our medical staff, are part of that," head coach Lovie Smith said. "It started during the game and, of course, continued after. Part of that was getting him back on the football field today and it will continue."

This is cutler's third documented concussion. He had one while playing for the Denver Broncos and one in college at Vanderbilt. And you are more susceptible to getting more if you have a history of them, so the Bears were being cautious.

Smith said Cutler was limited in practice Wednesday.

"Took a few reps; he didn't take as many as he normally does," Smith said. However, Cutler did take the majority of the snaps with the first team offense, which is a good sign of his recovery to this point.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz said, "he seemed fine."

Backup quarterback Todd Collins also took some snaps in practice in case he is called on to start on Sunday against Carolina.

Cutler had no contact in Wednesday's practice and will be evaluated by an independent doctor, because often after physical exercise the symptoms of a concussion can reoccur.

So, how Cutler feels on Thursday could be the telling sign whether he starts Sunday against the panthers or not.

Updated: Oct 6, 2010 at 4:37 PM

Update: According to Brad Biggs via twitter Jay Cutler is in full pads and is practicing today.

Updated: Oct 6, 2010 at 1:58 PM

By Connor McKnight--

Cutler did not address the media at Halas Hall Wednesday as is his usual custom. It was not clear whether Cutler's medical status kept him from speaking at the press conference, but keep checking here to find out the latest on Cutler's condition as news develops.

Cutler was concussed at some point in the first half of Sunday's game against the Giants. Todd Collins started the second half in his place until he was knocked out and replaced by the Bears' third string quarterback Caleb Hanie. The Bears offensive line gave up a NFL record nine sacks in the first half which lead to Cutler's concussion.

Originally published Oct 6, 2010 at 11:51 AM