The Bears might have to prepare for life without quarterback Jay Cutler -- for up to a couple weeks.
Cutler suffered a right thumb sprain during Monday's loss to the Eagles and currently is considered day to day, coach John Fox told reporters Tuesday. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday morning that Cutler is expected to miss two to three weeks and that the timeline depends on how he heals over the next three days.
Fox said Tuesday that it doesn't appear that Cutler will need surgery on his thumb. The quarterback did not practice Wednesday.
Brian Hoyer went 9 of 12 for 78 yards in relief on Monday.
The Bears' season already had the feel of a lost one, with the team in the midst of a lengthy rebuild across the board. Cutler was never a truly dependable option, but now the team might have to turn toward a veteran backup with no developmental rookie on the roster.
Hoyer has worked magic in short stints before and appeared comfortable in Dowell Loggains' offense over limited action on Monday night. But what is the best-case scenario here?
Cutler, 33, is signed through 2021 though it's never too early to start thinking about life after. The Bears (0-2) are tumbling toward a high draft pick and have an offense peppered with young stars -- the type of players who could eventually form the bedrock of a playoff-caliber roster. Unfortunately, that day is still a long way in the distance.
