Cutler's ability outside pocket impresses O-line

Sometimes mobile quarterbacks can present as much of a problem for their offensive linemen as they do for the opposition because, even their own teammates don't know where they'll wind up when a play breaks down.

But that isn't a problem for the Bears' offensive linemen when Jay Cutler breaks from the pocket.

"He's great in the pocket," right guard Roberto Garza said. "Any time he feels any pressure, you can see he is aware of what's going on, and he makes our job a lot easier. We still have to keep guys off him and work just as hard to protect him, but anytime something goes down, he puts himself in the perfect situation to make a play downfield.

"When the protection is a certain way, he is exactly where he is supposed to be, and we have to protect accordingly, and when something breaks down, his eyes are straight downfield. It's great."

Because of Cutler's extraordinary arm strength, the rules are a bit different for Bears receivers when the quarterback is flushed out of the pocket. The general rule is for receivers to come back to the quarterback, but that isn't necessary with Cutler, as Devin Hester found out in Saturday night's game.

"Devin started to come back to him, which is your instinct because he's way downfield," offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. "(But) then he realized who it was and said, 'I better get going again.' "

By that time, Cutler's pass was already sailing over Hester's head.

"They'll learn to keep it alive," Turner said. "We have scramble rules. If they're deep, go, and we talked about getting someone down the middle of the field."

Partial return: Cornerback Zack Bowman (hamstring) returned to practice for the first time in almost three weeks but was limited to individual drills and isn't sure if he'll be healthy enough to play Sunday against the Broncos.

Bowman was playing well enough before his injury to have replaced Nate Vasher as a starter, but it remains to be seen if he can play at the same level once he's back to full speed.

"It's going to be interesting," he said. "I haven't been out there going full speed for a while, but I'm confident in myself and confident in what I can, do so we'll just take it from there."

Free safety Danieal Manning (hamstring) also returned to practice and was limited to individual drills.

"You want to get out there (and practice) before the regular season starts," Manning said, "so I'm working my butt off to get back and get in shape and get out there."

Strong safety Kevin Payne has moved to free safety in Manning's absence, with rookie Al Afalava taking Payne's place.

Sitting it out: In addition to defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee), cornerback Charles Tillman (back), linebacker Jamar Williams (foot) and defensive end Henry Melton (ankle) did not practice.