Bears quarterback Josh McCown was named the NFC offensive player of the week on Wednesday, an honor that may serve as the final act of his run as the team’s starting quarterback.
Coach Marc Trestman said, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, that quarterback Jay Cutler has been cleared to practice at full speed and that he will get in a “thorough” workout Wednesday. Trestman will decide about the starter for Week 15 after that workout and announce his decision about the starter on Thursday. Trestman said that he was “optimistic” that Cutler’s injured ankle would come through well enough for him to be that choice.
That’s what Trestman has said he’d do all along. McCown’s play has led some to wonder if that was how things would actually play out, but McCown always referred to himself as a temporary replacement and Trestman said Wednesday that McCown will move back into the backup role without a problem.
“He is all about team. He has very little concern for his personal success. I am sure he’s proud of what he has done,” Trestman said.
Assuming the workout goes well, it looks like Cutler will be retaking the reins for the final three regular season games. The results could wind up with some bearing on whether or not they are the final three games of his Bears career as well.