Cutler appreciates any moral support
Coming off the field following games against Philadelphia and again this week against Minnesota, quarterback Jay Cutler got words of encouragement from counterparts Donovan McNabb and Brett Favre.
"I wish we were winning ballgames and I didn't need that," Cutler said, "but we're not. I have to face the facts. I'm very appreciative of Brett and Donovan, and everyone else in the league who has reached out to me."
Cutler was asked about the hand gesture he made toward fans who booed when he took a knee with nine seconds left in regulation and the Bears at their 39-yard line.
"I was pointing at the clock," Cutler said. "I didn't understand why they were booing. We had (nine) seconds left. There was not much we were going to do.
"I'm going to suggest we take a knee there every time. Go to overtime and take our chances there."
Near the end of his weekly news conference, the NFL's offensive player of the week joked about how much he would miss the Wednesday afternoon get-togethers.
"I know you guys deep down in your heart will miss me as well," Cutler said. "I'll be thinking of you guys every Wednesday at this time."
Down and out: Cornerback Charles Tillman (ribs, lung) and defensive lineman Israel Idonije (foot) were placed on injured reserve Wednesday.
Both players were injured in Monday's 36-30 victory over the Vikings. Tillman's injuries occurred in a collision with teammate Craig Steltz.
Corey Graham replaced Tillman on Monday night and is expected to start Sunday at Detroit, but Nate Vasher also could get some snaps there.
With Idonije out, rookie Jarron Gilbert will see more playing time at tackle, and he also could play some left end, as he did Monday.
Injury report: Safeties Al Afalava (knee), Danieal Manning (calf) and Craig Steltz (foot) and wide receiver Johnny Knox (ankle) did not practice Wednesday inside the Walter Payton Center.
Knox won't play Sunday, and the other three appear doubtful.
Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee), wide receiver Devin Hester (calf) and safety Kevin Payne (ankle) were limited but should play.
Moving up: The Bears filled their two open spots on the 53-man roster by promoting cornerback Woodny Turenne and quarterback Brett Basanez from the practice squad.
Turenne was signed as an undrafted rookie this year. Basanez, a graduate of St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, was a four-year starter at Northwestern.
Wide receiver Eric Peterman was signed to the practice squad. He spent the entire 2009 preseason with the Bears with 3 receptions for 39 yards after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Northwestern.