Can Someone Explain Why Cutler Sits, BUT A. Smith is Cleared to Start?

I'm having a very hard time understanding this exactly. I've spent a lot of time searching dozens of articles online to attempt to reach a conclusion & watched all the NFL shows with no exact explanation. 1st off....I understand that the NFL has "Independent" Neurosurgeons who must evaluate & medically diagnose each player with a Concussion as well as the only ones who are allowed to "medically clear" a player to return to play after a concussion has been diagnosed. I understand the TEAM cannot clear a player to play, but they are allowed to sit them if desired even after they have been medically cleared by said Independent Neurosurgeons.

Now, I've read several articles that mentioned Alex Smith had blurred vision, temporary memory loss, dizziness, & nausea in the hours after his concussion Sunday. Cutler came back into the game for 7 plays before halftime, at which time he was pulled from the game. I'm confused because the ONLY information I can find is that "he suffered concussion symptoms at halftime".....thats about ALL I can find. The news reports say this is Cutler's 4th known Concussion since his College playing days...I've heard several reports say the Alex Smith has suffered multiple concussions in his past but nobody seems to have a definitive number.

So again i ask....why is Cutler forced to sit Monday Night's game....but Alex Smith has been cleared???? I noticed Michael Vick too was not cleared to play, but I also hear numerous reports that he suffered a very massive concussion. I haven't heard ANY thing about the seriousness of Cutler's concussion or WHY he isn't cleared. I'm 24 years old but I'm a little more Old-School when it comes to this. I grew up playing Football & racing Motocross....I've had multiple concussions & was right back at school the next day & on the field or back on the race track within a few days. I can understand people taking this issue very serious...but a BIG part of me wants to scream out "GROW SOME BALLS...BE A MAN" to all these people. I'm pretty sure Cutler would be out there if it were up to him. I also like Urlacher's position on this issue when he says "Don't play the game if you don't want concussions".

I'd guess Cutler's history, plus not all brain injuries are the same. Examples here and here.

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Originally Posted by DieHard Bear ina Chair

I'm 24 years old but I'm a little more Old-School when it comes to this. I grew up playing Football & racing Motocross....I've had multiple concussions & was right back at school the next day & on the field or back on the race track within a few days. I can understand people taking this issue very serious...but a BIG part of me wants to scream out "GROW SOME BALLS...BE A MAN" to all these people. I'm pretty sure Cutler would be out there if it were up to him. I also like Urlacher's position on this issue when he says "Don't play the game if you don't want concussions".

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Yeah, just rub some dirt on your brain, everything will be fine.

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Originally Posted by Jimmors

Yeah, just rub some dirt on your brain, everything will be fine.

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You have to, how else will the brain-washing industry continue in this era of poor economics and cutbacks?

Because the NFL wants SF to win on MNF.

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Originally Posted by DieHard Bear ina Chair

but a BIG part of me wants to scream out "GROW SOME BALLS...BE A MAN" to all these people.

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Like Jim McMahon?

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Originally Posted by matsellah

Because the NFL wants SF to win on MNF.

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excellent trollface usage

Yeah, the opportunity presented itself.

BOT: I'm not really concerned that Smith is starting and Cutty isn't. First good (legal) tag on Smith and Advantage: Bears.

I can only say that each situation is different,I'm a bit older than you,and have no idea how many concussions I've had.But I can tell you that some of them affect you more than others.
I often wonder if some of my memory loss is due to past concussions.
Considering that Cutler has a trackable history of concussions,he may be cleared to play,and the Bears are playing it safe.They have a long term investment in him,and it may be the reason he's not playing.
This is the reason they got Campbell for a backup,and he has prepared all week,so it's better that he starts.

This is Cutler's 5th concussion and they get worse the more you have. I believe this is Smith's first.

Even if they were each suffering their firsts, there are different grades of concussions. Playing with a concussion will leave you with a scrambled brain and suffering dementia like Jimmy Mac. I prefer to see Cutty live to see as normal of a life as possible. Not end up taking his own life like DD, or suffering through other mental issues like Jimmy Mac or the countless others who are suffering because of their playing with concussions through the years.

You want a "man" who is going to play with concussions? You got one in Brian Urlacher. He said he would lie about having one to avoid being sat. Watch, at the end of his life, he is going to be a drooling, brain dead vegetable. But, hey I am sure that will be okay with you, because he was a "man" and gave you the entertainment you wanted.