Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jay Cutler returned to practice, but the injured Chicago Bears quarterback will not play Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys.
After Cutler was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice, coach Marc Trestman ruled him out for this week’s game. Backup Josh McCown again will start in Cutler’s place.
“It looks like he’s progressing,” Trestman said of Cutler. “I was encouraged today by the work that (Cutler) got in.”
Trestman believes Cutler will play again this season. Cutler earlier told a local radio station that he was worried about possible ligament damage in his ankle.
The Bears (6-6) are fighting to make the playoffs. They trail the Detroit Lions (7-5) by one game in the NFC North despite losing three of their past four games.
McCown has filled in admirably for Cutler, passing for 1,461 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception this season.
The Bears also will be without linebacker Lance Briggs on Monday night. Briggs has a shoulder injury and has yet to resume practicing.
