While wide receiver injuries were the headline of the Chicago Bear's preseason, quarterback issues are now taking over the regular season. The Chicago Bears have not been shy in saying that Jay Cutler needs to improve after getting the expensive contract extension, but injuries are hurting that effort. This season appears to be no different as Cutler went down with a hamstring problem throwing the quarterback position into question.
According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com, Cutler suffered a hamstring pull against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach John Fox made it clear it was a hamstring problem and not a shoulder issue like originally assumed and now the quarterback will undergo tests to determine the severity of the issue. Prior to the injury, Cutler had complete eight passes for 120 yards and a touchdown before getting replaced by Jimmy Clausen.
It is unknown exactly how long Cutler will be off the field, but it is clear the Bears are not prepared for his absence. While Clausen did earn a one-year contract extension in the offseason, the talent drop off is steep. According to Dickerson, the Bears are now left to contemplate the short-term and the long-term solution at the position as Clausen is the starter until further notice, but is not enough to keep the Bears in contention for the postseason.
The idea of trading Cutler can be dismissed. The quarterback's contract paired with his knack for turnovers means teams will not be emerging with interest. Releasing Cutler in the offseason could be an option as the quarterback's dead cap money gets smaller in the coming years as he is signed through the 2020 season. The more likely option is keeping Cutler on board and either acquiring a young replacement like Mike Glennon or Zach Mettenberger while also eyeing draft options in 2016.
The Bears have the offensive weapons to help Clausen as long as he gets the reps in practice. Matt Forte is the best running back for this situation as he remains the workhorse for the team. The injury to Alshon Jeffery is troublesome. The wide receiver was help out of Week 2 with a hamstring injury. This comes after the calf strain he suffered in the preseason. If the Bears can get Jeffery back while using Eddie Royal, Marquess Wilson and Martellus Bennett, they build a nice supporting cast for Clausen to work with. That could get Chicago through 2015 if Cutler remains out, but the long-term solution must still be addressed.
