GREAT NEWS-Cutler's rehab 'He looks fantastic
Cutler's rehab status: 'He looks fantastic'
By Vaughn McClure Tribune reporter 12:28 p.m. CDT, June 14, 2011
Jay Cutler hasn’t thrown a pass in public since the NFC Championship Game back in January. But in private, the Bears quarterback apparently has shown no lingering effects from the second-degree knee sprain he suffered against the Packers.
Cutler continues to gather his offensive teammates at an undisclosed high school field up north for weekly workouts –- typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays –- during the lockout. Receiver Rashied Davis and running back Kahlil Bell have participated in those workouts
Jay looks fine, man,’’ Bell said. "The last couple of times I went, we did throwing stuff and I couldn't even tell that he had an injury.
"A lot of people made a lot about what happened, but I think he’s going to be all right. I know he’s going to be all right. He looks fantastic.’’
Davis agreed.
"Jay looks healthy,’’ Davis said. "Both he and Caleb (Hanie) look great. And everybody’s healthy.’’
Well, just about everybody.
Apparently tight end Brandon Manumaleuna and running back Chester Taylor have been the only offensive skill players not regularly attending the workouts. Manumaleuna has a pass as he continues to recover from offseason knee surgery.
As for Taylor, he is working out with private trainers in both Chicago and Houston. And he typically does he own thing during the offseason, dating back to his days with the Vikings. Taylor is not hindered by the knee injury he dealt with last season.
Among the group that has assembled, Davis is one of the players without a contract and still uncertain about his future with the Bears.
"I’m preparing as if I’m going to be in Chicago,’’ said Davis, who has attended 85 percent of the workouts. "The other guys are preparing as if I’m going to be in Chicago as well.’’
That means preparing for another year in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s complex offense.
"For us, as an offense, this is necessary,’’ Davis said of the organized workouts. "If we didn’t think it was necessary, we wouldn’t be doing it.
"Like with our defense, it’s not necessary. They’ve been in the same system for nine years. But it’s a simple system. For us, we have a bunch of shifts and motions and terminologies and routes. And there’s timing involved. Our quarterbacks have to be able to throw the ball blindfolded basically. And we have to be there. And if they throw it blindfolded, I better be where I’m supposed to be.’’
Both Davis and Bell were in Sacramento this weekend participating in Lance Briggs’ annual Nor-Cal All-Star Camp. And both planned to be back on the practice field with Cutler this week.
"We’ve been able to get on a field that has a good surface, and it’s lined so we can actually run the routes that we’re supposed to and not just where we think 10 yards is,’’ Davis said. "That’s a good thing.’’
Had it not been for the lockout, the Bears would have started organized team activities June 1 and had 14 such practices up until June 23.
vxmcclure@tribune.com
