The Chicago Bears are once again preparing for life without Jay Cutler. The quarterback's injury history is lengthy and this year appears to be much of the same as Cutler went down in Week 2 with a hamstring injury. The team offered up some clarity on the issue as the quarterback will not miss as much time as expected, giving Jimmy Clausen a chance to show what he can do.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cutler is expected to miss two weeks following a strained hamstring. That is a much better outlook than what was being reported on Monday after the quarterback attempted to tackle Tony Jefferson following a thrown interception. Clausen came in and finished the day going 14-of-23 for 121 yards and an interception. The Bears will move forward with Clausen as head coach John Fox does not expect to make another quarterback addition.
"As I mentioned yesterday," Fox said (via ESPN.com), "considering the circumstances and his preparation reps and getting ready to play Arizona, most backups are not getting all those reps regardless of the position. I think at the quarterback position it's a little tougher because you have to be in tune to everybody else completely. But I think all in all, [Clausen] did OK. Think we'' evaluate that, and we have all the way until Saturday to do anything like that."
The pressure is now on the offensive playmakers to step up for Clausen. They could be one short as Alshon Jeffery's status remains unknown. The wide receiver was out Week 2 with a hamstring issue and might not be back in time for the upcoming game. That means Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson step up into the starting jobs while the pressure falls on Matt Forte to continue as the workhorse.
While the offensive game plan will not change that much with Clausen under center, the Bears will get their money's worth with Forte over the next two weeks. Fantasy owners would be wise to take a pass on Jeffery. The Bears face the Seattle Seahawks next which means even if he does play, Richard Sherman will be on him as Clausen tries to beat that coverage. Jeffery is good, but Clausen's talent drop off from where Cutler is at is very steep. Forte will be the center of the offense in both the rushing game and passing for the next two weeks.
The injury to Cutler certainly draws into question what his future with the franchise looks like. Given his contract and low stats, the quarterback is not worth a trade and he is just about too expensive to simply release. The Bears might be looking to NFL prospects to develop should they feel the need to move on from the veteran sooner rather than later.
