Getty ImagesBears coach Lovie Smith famously doesn’t give a lot of information up to the press.
So when he confirmed to WBBM-AM 780 Monday morning that Jay Cutler has a broken thumb, it’s safe to say Smith doesn’t expect Cutler to play again for a while.
For now, Smith wouldn’t give a timeline for Cutler’s recovery. Smith said Cutler is visiting specialists Monday morning, and the team may provide more information at Smith’s press conference later Monday.
Here’s what Smith said he expected out of Caleb Hanie in the coming weeks: “Same play from our quarterback position.”
That’s where the Bears are in deep trouble. This wasn’t a “system” team relying on great pass blocking and open receivers. This is hardly the situation Matt Leinart steps into for the Texans.
The Bears relied heavily on Cutler’s right arm making throws that other quarterbacks can’t make. Sunday’s game against the Chargers was a great example.
Chicago will have a tough road getting to the playoffs with Hanie running the show.
Channel Finder
Darn, this is bad news. Just when the Bears were really putting it all together.
Still, only two of their remaining six are against winning opponents.
I knew the Bears suck.
Thank GOD its not Todd Collins
Before anyone writes Hanie off, remember the 2nd half of the NFC championship game last January when Cutler was injured. I’m a Packer fan, and I certainly remember.
Wishing Cutler the best! On the other hand as a raider fan this is good news.
Tough break for the Bears. They’ve been hitting on all cylinders lately.
We haven’t talked about the infamous Soldier Field playing surface since the shank was sticking out of the field in the Green Bay game. I think on any other field in the league Knox doesent slip, and as a result…no broken thumb. I’m clearly looking to displace my anger, but I think my argument has credence.
A good team would find a way to win anyway, time to find out what the Bears are.
They still have a very favorable schedule. The Bears played a very very tough schedule so far and have come out of it 7-3. They’ll win another 3 regardless of who plays QB from here out. They’re playing well in every aspect of the game, and they’ll still get a wild card. And yes, I really don’t like the Bears. Just an observation.
Cue the Cutler haters
David Garrad is sitting at home right now… Just sayin…
No Heart Cutler Quits Again.
It’s not the end of the world. Cutler was only avg like 200 yds a game anyway. Tons of Forte and Barber, great D and a weak closing sched mean the Bears can still make the wild card. He won’t be out for as long as they are saying anyway.
That sucks for Cutler and the Bears, but as a Bronco fan, I have to say I’m glad we will be facing Hanie instead of Cutler.
Caleb Hanie can get it done, he just needs to protect the football and checkdown to Forte… a lot. Next week @Oakland looks tough, but KC Denver Seattle after that are very winnable. Then we finish @ Vikings… think we play someone else in there but not gonna worry about it
.
10 wins may be enough, but the Bears have a good shot at 11 even IF Cutler’s out the whole time. Our Defense can carry us, plus the O line is doing a lot better nowadays so Hanie’s not stepping into the same sh*storm as last year.
This sucks!!! however he played the rest of the game and did ok…6/8 weeks??? He can start next week makes no sense…
This news just sucks! Yeah they still have a shot at the playoffs. A long shot but still a shot.
Well this sucks, bears were one of hottest teams, now let’s see if Hanie can take us to the playoffs!!
He broke a nail and is out for the season. Jay Cutler is softer than baby food.
Bears will get their Hanie kicked in Oakland this weekend!
Cutler is without question the best quarterback in Chicago Bears history. This sucks.
From Lions fan. I’d rather go at it with Chicago for the wild card with everyone healthy. If anyone can feel your pain it’s us with Stafford the last few seasons – losing a QB sucks. Almost as much as the Bears.
CALL FAVRE!!!!!!!!!!!
Good teams will find a way to win with injuries. I guess we’ll see what kind of moxy this bears team has.
Caleb Hanie…..whodat?
Caleb can play: He’s just got to “Manage the game” …….Harbaugh.
Quite a few teams have lost their starting QB for the season or for long stretches. Who will be the next victim?
This just in: Google reported a huge uptick in searches by football fans of the term “Caveat emptor.”
In related news some Bears players will Miss-issipping practice today.
Bears fans…feel pretty bad for you. They started looking pretty nasty the last few weeks. Suddenly an injury to your QB has you left with Caleb Hanie as your starter. Sure hope he can pull it together for you…
Although, given the amount of Bears fans that were quick to wish injury on Matt Stafford, I can’t help but think maybe this is karma??? I hope not, as I actually like seeing teams in this division play well…unless they’re playing the Lions.
And the award for softest QB in the league goes to:
You guessed it, Jay Cutler. Karma sure is a bitch eh bears fans.
They should call Brodie Croyle. He can make those tough throws. It’s worth a look, for sure.( Please insert record as a starter and injury jokes, they are all valid.)
Can we call Cutler injury prone now? Since Bears fans love to talk trash about “glass” Matt Stafford. You know, the guy that threw 5 tds yesterday….with a broken index finger on his throwing hand.
Last time I saw Caleb Hanie he was dominating the Super Bowl champions. He has a chance to do okay.
No excuses, please…the down-trodden Eagles just beat the Giants with their starting QB and most reliable WR out.
Well, it’s official. Surgery. Let’s go ‘Hawks!
Two words: JT O’Sullivan.
Veteran backup QB in case Hanie gets hurt? Check.
Played in the Martz system for multiple teams? Check.
Currently available? Check.
Two more words: No brainer.
You know he might be able to play through it nothing is confirmed he is out for season – He should call one of his idols – Brett Favre broke his same thumb Mid October Vs the Rams in 2004 season- had 30 TD’s 17 INT over 4000 yards QB rating of 97%…Made the Wilcard at 10-6. Of course the Vikings beat them first round but still that team did not have the Defense the bears have.
They’re thinking Culter could be back for Seattle at the earliest. All hope is not lost Bears fans. Hanie is a decent back up and this team is playing well enough to make the playoffs still.
For sure Bear fans Jay will play this year again
Here’s one Packer fan who hated to see that happen. Jay was playing some very good football. My fear is having the Bears come to our house in January for the NFC title game and returning the favor for what we did to them last year
There’s some wild speculation that they’ve retracted their announcement of the surgery to see if he can play through it until the end of the season.
Emphasis on the “wild.” And the “speculation.”
Jay should soak it inside Kristin Cavalieri
if he was tuff like big ben he wouldnt need surgery
Ya, Cutler is not Brett Favre.
Love all these Packers fans slobbering on about how a good team would be able to overcome the loss, as if losing Rodgers would not instantly turn them into the Colts.
This isn’t a matter of toughness. His thumb is broken at the base of the hand, not at the tip like Roethlisberger, and not a barely noticeable by x-ray hairline like Favre. Stop pretending to know what you are talking about.