Thread: Smith, Bears optimistic Cutler will play vs. Seattle

Smith, Bears optimistic Cutler will play vs. Seattle

By Brad Biggs

Lovie Smith remains optimistic that quarterback Jay Cutler will return to action in time for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

But the Bears coach hedged his comments Monday by admitting he was confident Cutler would return last week in time for the game against the Carolina Panthers.

In Cutler's absence, backup quarterback Todd Collins was terrible in the 23-6 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He was pulled late in the third quarter and surely the Bears will juggle their depth chart behind Cutler. But in keeping with his policy, Smith didn't address any potential personnel moves at his news conference this afternoon. Pressed on the matter, he said go with the depth chart from this past week. But, again, Smith has never made personnel announcements on Mondays.

When it comes to Cutler, Smith said he is being "evaluated daily," and then refused to shed much more light on the matter. His teammates are optimistic.
"I think he is feeling good," tight end Greg Olsen said. "I think he felt good toward the end of the week and he was able to get some practice in and get some workouts and run around and get going so I think he is feeling pretty good."

Has Cutler expressed confidence he will return to face the Seahawks?

"I'm sure he feels good about it," Olsen said. "I'm sure Jay feels confident, like every player does, that he is going to be back as soon as possible."

NOTE: Smith said left tackle Chris Williams, who has missed the last three games with a pulled right hamstring, could return this week. Smith also was optimistic about weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs, who left the game with a sprained ankle. He said Briggs could be back at practice Wednesday.