Cutler takes part in Bears practice today
Barring any setbacks, quarterback Jay Cutler appears to be on schedule to play Sunday after practicing on a limited basis Wednesday afternoon. During the small portion of practice open to the media, Cutler wore a helmet and shoulder pads and tossed passes to various receivers. He showed no ill effects from the 9 sacks and concussion he suffered in the first half of Sunday night's loss to the Giants.
Afterward Cutler was scheduled to meet with an independent doctor for an evaluation of his condition. He cannot play Sunday until an independent doctor determines he is asymptomatic after rest and after exertion.
Cutler did not address the media, as he normally does at noon on Wednesdays. He may talk today, which would be an indication that he will play against the Panthers.
“He was able to do some things, coach Lovie Smith said after practice. “That's all a part of working him back into the flow of things. The evaluation process continues, but getting back out on the practice field is a part of that.
Cutler has never missed an NFL game because of an injury, but the NFL has never been as conscientious as it currently is regarding concussions.
“We have a process that we go through with our doctors, through our medical staff, Smith said. “That started right after the game and will continue.
Along with Cutler, backup Todd Collins also took snaps with the first team, and the 38-year-old veteran will start if Cutler is not cleared.
“We practiced (Cutler) just to see how he feels moving around, so he shared some snaps out there, offensive coordinator Mike Martz said. “We gave Todd some snaps just in case, and we'll just see where this goes.
Wootton's chance: The release of Mark Anderson could create an opportunity at defensive end for rookie Corey Wootton this week, especially if recently signed veteran Charles Grant isn't ready to play yet.#8220;By losing a player it opens up another slot for some guys like Corey, coach Lovie Smith said. Anderson had 3 of his 5 tackles this season against the Giants, and he was credited with 4 of his team-best 6 quarterback pressures a week earlier against the Packers.#8220;Mark did a lot of good things and helped us win a lot of football games, Smith said. #8220;We just felt like we needed more production on the line and felt like Mark had a lot of opportunities. We wanted to take a look at some of our other players that hadn't gotten an opportunity to play.Welcome back: The news that Pro Bowl wide receiver Randy Moss is coming back to the Vikings after a trade with the Patriots didn't bother Bears defensive end Julius Peppers, even though it should strengthen the NFC North foe.#8220;I'm excited, Peppers said. #8220;I'm a fan of Randy's. It's going to be exciting to have him back playing against him and competing against him. You want to play against the best, and obviously he's the best.Injury update: Guard Lance Louis (knee) was limited in practice, while quarterback Todd Collins (neck) was a full participant. Offensive tackle Chris Williams and safety Major Wright did not participate in practice, but Williams did individual work on the side with trainer Bobby Slater.