Football is a tough man's game and that adage was in full-force on Sunday, as some big-name players got nicked up and beat down around the NFL.
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was the recipient of a hard hit to the head on Sunday, snapping his neck back and forcing him to leave Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
In the fourth quarter Cutler was hit high and low at the same time and has his neck snap back when defensive end Everson Griffen hit him. Following the play, Griffen received a flag for unnecessary roughness.
Following the game, it was uncertain if Cutler would play next week against the Packers, but the quarterback said on Monday that it is likely he will play, barring any setbacks.
"Unless something drastic happens, absolutely," Cutler said on "The Jay Cutler Show" on ESPN 1000, according to ESPN.com.
Cutler received treatment for a sore neck on Monday, but it was nothing more serious. Earlier this season, Cutler suffered a concussion against the Houston Texans and missed one game. Cutler said the injury was not to his head at all, but just his neck.
"It was neck-related," he said. "I was getting spasms. I wasn't going to help anybody being out there."
Before leaving the game Cutler threw for 260 yards and touchdown, but had two interceptions while completing just 50 percent of his passes.
"I'm a little tight. I got some treatment earlier in the day, so it should be ready to go later in the week," said Cutler, according to the Chicago Tribune. "It's a lot of (injuries) at this point. I don't know if I'm getting old or what's happening, but it gets harder and harder."
Head coach Lovie Smith did not say anything definitive to reporters about the injury or about his status for next week.
"Without going into detail, which I don't really know, I think it's normal soreness that you would have from a stiff neck," Smith said. "But again, I try not to jump too far on that side, to try to play doctor too much. "I just know yesterday -- I'm just basing it on what he has right now -- he has a sore neck."
The Bears are battling for a playoff spot after losing four of the past five games. The team began the season 7-1, but fell out of the NFC North lead to the Packers. If the Bears lose on Sunday, Green Bay will clinch the division title.
"You never like to lose games in November or December. We've talked about that. It's kind of when you want to start getting on a roll and start playing good football," Cutler said according to the Chicago Tribune.. "We're still in control of our destiny and have three games left. We've got to get this one and move on to the next one."
Cutler has been the most valuable player for the Bears this season, passing for 2,495 yards and 16 touchdowns. In last week's loss against the Seahawks, Cutler threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
The New York Giants were doing back flips (literally) after defeating the New Orleans Saints 52-27, but may have some injuries to deal with as they prepare to face another NFC South foe--the Atlanta Falcons--next Sunday.
Running back Ahmad Bradshaw underwent an MRI on Monday to check out his right knee, which he injured against the Saints in the first half. David Wilson received the bulk of the carries, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns.
"Anytime you are talking about a knee and people are going through a series of tests, it is better to wait and see what the results are," head coach Tom Coughlin said on a conference call, according to ESPNNewYork.com. "I wouldn't speculate on anything right now."
Bradshaw returned to the game, but was held out once the score got out of hand. The Giants proved they have an effective backup in Wilson, but will need to have both running backs to be successful down the stretch.
Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has X-rays following the game, but said on Monday they came out clean. He did not specify where the X-rays were taken; it could have been his surgically repaired foot or his knee, which has been giving him issues since Week 2 and held him out for three games this year.
"He is going to continue with the same capacity that he has been in," Coughlin said. "I wish he would have an opportunity to play after no longer having any issues but that is not going to be the case this year."
Nicks caught four balls for 67 yards and a touchdown, one of four thrown by Eli Manning. The Giants also got a big boos from Wilson, who scored on a 97-yard kickoff return in the first quarter.
Nicks and Bradshaw will likely miss some practice time this week, but look like they will play next Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Safety Kenny Phillips missed the game with a knee injury and will be re-evaluated this week.
Cornerback Prince Amukamara suffered a strained hamstring in the game against the Saints, but said he felt fine afterwards.
"We are going to have to see where he is at," said Coughlin. "He will be treated and will continue to be treated and we will just have to see the severity of it as we go along this week."
The team lost 17-16 last week against the Washington Redskins, but maintained a one-game lead in the AFC East by winning on Sunday.
