The Chicago Bears’ disastrous start to the 2016 season isn’t getting any better.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bears are expecting a “lengthy absence” for starting quarterback Jay Cutler, who injured his throwing hand during Chicago’s 29-14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.
The #Bears are preparing for a lengthy absence for QB Jay Cutler, source said. Now it’s a matter of how to fix (surgery or not) his thumb.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2016
According to Rapoport, the injury is to Cutler’s thumb. He suffered the ailment at the end of a play in the second half, and later left the game for the locker room after tossing an ugly interception.
It’s possible the injury isn’t new.
According to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times, Cutler played through ligament damage suffered during Chicago’s Week 1 loss to the Houston Texans. He only re-injured the thumb on Monday night.
“I’m concerned,” Cutler said. “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.”
Cutler left on Monday night after completing 12-of-17 passes for 157 yards and an interception. He also took three sacks.
Veteran Brian Hoyer took over after Cutler left the game, and he’ll be expected to start if Cutler has to miss significant time.
The Bears are now 0-2 and looking at losing their quarterback for a good chunk of 2016. Only two weeks in, Chicago’s season is already going up in flames.
