Hamstring strain leaves Cutler's future uncertain for Bears

Bears coach John Fox didn't shed much light Monday on quarterback Jay Cutler's hamstring injury or his availability for Sunday's game against at Seattle.

"We have gotten some results back," Fox said. "Jay does have a strained hamstring."

Cutler's chances of practicing Wednesday, when players return to Halas Hall, are a tossup, according to Fox.

"Is it going to be heads or tails (next) Sunday?" the Bears' coach said. "I don't know."

It's doubtful that Cutler will participate Wednesday. But that wouldn't rule him out for the Seahawks, who, like the Bears, are 0-2. That's a much bigger surprise there than it is here.

"Wednesday's probably not as important as later in the week," Fox said. "I've seen guys not practice all week and play pretty good on Sundays."

An ESPN report Monday said Cutler will be out two weeks.

Chances are that backup Jimmy Clausen will get all the practice reps Wednesday and start in place of Cutler after a mediocre relief performance in the 48-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

But Fox isn't tipping his hand. "I'd say it's yet to be determined," he said.

Cutler won't be ruled out until 90 minutes before Sunday's 3:25 p.m. Chicago time kickoff, given Fox's close-to-the-vest style in dispensing injury information.

The Bears could sign a veteran quarterback this week if they believe Cutler's injury will linger. Or they could just promote David Fales from the practice squad to the 53-man roster as Clausen's backup, if Cutler's return is imminent.

Clausen struggled with his timing and looked out of sync with his receivers in his relief appearance, understandable given the handful of practice snaps backup quarterbacks usually get.

Against Arizona, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 121 yards, no touchdowns and 1 interception for a 56.6 passer rating, and he was unable to take advantage of excellent field position.

Late in the second quarter, shortly after Clausen entered, the Bears had back-to-back possessions that began at the Cardinals' 22- and 12-yard lines. Clausen completed 2 of 5 passes for 8 yards and the Bears settled for field goals both times.

"For the circumstances and his (limited) preparation reps, I think all in all he did OK," Fox said. "At the quarterback position it's a little tougher because you have to be in tune to everybody else completely."

Players profess to have confidence in Clausen's ability to step in and run the offense, but he would face a serious challenge in Seattle against one of the NFL's best defenses. Clausen was an effective game manager in his only start last season, his first in four years, a 20-14 loss to the Detroit Lions. He completed 23 of 39 passes for 181 yards with 2 touchdowns, 1 interception and a 77.0 passer rating.

Wide receiver Eddie Royal, who had a team-high 7 receptions (for 41 yards) vs. Arizona, said there are more important factors than adjusting to a new quarterback.

"For the individual, I don't think there's any adjustment," Royal said. "You've still got to do your part once the play is called. You've got to execute that play the best you can.

"I didn't have to do anything different (with Clausen in the game). It was a tough spot to be in, and I think Jimmy did great."

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