Cutler says he's fine with Marshall

Quarterback Jay Cutler says the alleged fractured relationship between him and injured wide receiver Brandon Marshall is a matter of perception.

"It's fractured in your guys' mind, in the media's mind," Cutler said. "Brandon's Brandon. We wish he was here. We wish he was getting ready with us for this Monday night game, but he's not."

Marshall won't be back this year since he's on injured reserve (ribs, lung), and it's debatable if he and Cutler will return. Marshall's numbers (61 catches, 721 yards) are by far the worst of his career since his rookie season.

"I know Brandon is frustrated with his production, where the team is, and rightfully so," Cutler said. "We're all frustrated right now."

After Cutler pointed out Marshall's drops in the Detroit game, Marshall agreed with critics of Cutler that he, too, would have buyer's remorse regarding the quarterback's $126.7 million contract.

"He's going to say things," Cutler said of Marshall. "He's an emotional guy. I understand why he's frustrated. It's not that I'm discounting what he says by any means. I truly understand what he said and I think he meant what he said.

"But with that being said, I know that he's going to come back here next year and he's going to be ready to go and he's going to want the ball and he's going to want to win, and that's the important part."

Filling the void:

Alshon Jeffery already leads the Bears with 949 receiving yards, and he's expected to play an even bigger role in the offense with Brandon Marshall on injured reserve. But he also will get more attention from opponents.

"From a defensive standpoint, the focus may carry over to him a little bit more, and it will be up to the other guys to pick up some of that slack," coach Marc Trestman said. "We're not going to replace a Brandon Marshall.

"But, Marquees (Wilson), Dante (Rosario), Josh Morgan, all those guys will figure into the equation in terms of moving the football around."

Playing it safe:

To prevent other teams from signing rookie quarterback David Fales off their practice squad, the Bears promoted him to the 53-man roster Saturday.

The sixth-round pick said he's happy where he is.

"I'm in a really good situation with (quarterbacks) coach (Matt Cavanaugh) and coach (Marc) Trestman and (offensive coordinator Aaron) Kromer," Fales said. "I'm learning a lot and really feel like I fit in this system."