Disclaimer: Those who will continue to question Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s toughness regardless of the facts need read this post no further.
Citing a source close to the situation, Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun Times reports that Cutler took a painkilling shot at halftime of Chicago’s NFC Championship Game loss to Green Bay. Many have accused Cutler of not trying hard enough to play the final two quarters of the game through a torn knee ligament.
According to Jensen, it’s “believed” Cutler suffered his torn MCL on the first play of the second quarter, when Packers defensive end Ryan Pickett landed on Cutler’s left knee. Pickett, nicknamed “Big Grease” during his time in St. Louis and a former nose tackle, is listed at 330 pounds.
Cutler went on to finish the entire half and play the first possession of the third quarter.
Jensen also passes along belief that the Bears intended to hold Cutler out of the full second half after diagnosing the torn ligament in the locker room.
Just before the start of the half, all signs pointed to backup Todd Collins starting the third quarter. Collins was warming up with receivers, while Cutler came out of the locker room helmet-less and with no football in hand.
Cutler then abruptly put his helmet on and gave it a go.