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Cutler listed as 'limited,' but looks improved

Jay Cutler officially was categorized as “limited” at Wednesday's practice, but he didn't look nearly as limited as most other injured players during the portion of the workout open to media.

While wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) did some light work by himself off to the side as other receivers ran routes and caught passes, Cutler was able to simulate dropbacks and movement in the pocket before throwing.

He appeared to move at close to full speed and his throwing was unimpaired by the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since late in the second quarter in Week 2.

“I thought he had a good practice,” coach John Fox said. “Obviously we're trying to treat him and get him better as we move forward. Thought we had a good day today.”

The Bears (0-3) expect to have a better day Sunday against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field if Cutler is able to return.

“Like most teams in the league, — (Green Bay) might look different if Aaron Rodgers isn't in,” Fox said. “Any starting quarterback, obviously there's a reason they're the starter.

“But I'd say we're a little more confident and have had a little more experience doing it (with Cutler at quarterback).”

Backup plan:

If backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen is forced to start a second straight game, it's logical that the game plan won't for the Raiders be as conservative as it was in Seattle against the Seahawks' elite defense.

“Last week is what it is,” coach John Fox said. “Was it too conservative? We did what we thought would best help us win a game and came up short.”

Clausen threw 17 passes and completed 9 for 63 yards, and he was sacked twice for minus-15 yards.

Oakland's defense is last in the league it total yards allowed, 30th in passing yards allowed, 28th in points allowed and 25th in sacks.

“Last week was the Seahawks, this week is the Raiders,” Fox said. “I don't want to get into how we're going to game plan against the Raiders because we haven't played them yet.”

Other injury news:

In addition to Jay Cutler and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, defensive linemen Ego Ferguson (knee), Jeremiah Ratliff (ankle) and Will Sutton (elbow) all were limited at Wednesday's practice.

Offensive left tackle Jermon Bushrod (concussion/shoulder) and punter Patrick O'Donnell (knee) did not practice.

Even if he hadn't been serving a three-game suspension for a DUI, Ratliff wouldn't have been able to play the previous three weeks because of his injury, according to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

But the 34-year-old will be a welcome addition to the defense if he can play this week.

“He's one of our more experienced guys, someone who's done it at the D-line position in this league longer,” coach John Fox said. “So obviously we welcome him back with open arms.”

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