Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is reportedly dealing with ligament damage in his right thumb that could sideline him for between three and four weeks.
Adam L Jahns of the Chicago Sun Times reports the injury was first sustained in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. Cutler practiced through the pain during the week leading up to Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was re-aggravated in last night’s game, forcing him to leave late in the third quarter. And now the quarterback could be looking at a few games off to let the injury heal.
“According to multiple team sources, Cutler suffered his injury in the season opener against the Texans. One source said it’s an injury that typically results in a three- to four-week absence.”
Cutler left the stadium last night wearing a cast on his right hand and expressed concern about the injury.
“I’m concerned,” Cutler said after the game. “As a quarterback, you kind of need your right thumb. So I think it was [2011] when I had surgery on this thumb. So we’ll see what it is.”
Further testing on the ligament damage will be implemented on Tuesday.
Should Cutler need to take a few games off, then the Bears will have to roll with veteran backup Brian Hoyer. He’s been capable at times throughout his career, but he won’t inspire much confidence. Already in an 0-2 hole, Chicago could be looking at quite a dismal first half of the season.