The Bears added OT Jermon Bushrod and G Matt Slauson in free agency.  Then they drafted G Kyle Long with the 20th overall pick of the draft.  Not surprisingly, QB Jay Cutler is excited about the additions.  "(The coaching staff is) going to make sure everyone knows their assignments and we are protected," Cutler said. "Bushrod is a huge addition and we drafted some guys and some of the guys we had last year have to step in and play well. It's definitely a point of emphasis. We're not going to let the quarterback get hit. We're not going to go into games unsure about protections."  Chicago allowed 49 sacks last year -- 5th most in the league.  Cutler has been sacked a whopping 148 times in 56 games as a Bear.  He should get much better protection in 2013.  That, plus the addition of offensive-minded HC Marc Trestman, has Cutler's fantasy arrow pointing up.

Bears QB Jay Cutler told ESPN 1000 this morning that it looks like he'll be playing out the final year of his contract in 2013 rather than signing an extension. Cutler is due to make $8.47 million this season and then hit free agency in 2014. It's an interesting situation given the new head coach. The Bears likely don't want to give Cutler the typical huge QB deal based on his inconsistent performance and injury issues in recent seasons. From his side, Cutler watched Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco enter last season in a very similar situation and come out with the richest contract in league history. Cutler will only be 30 heading into the 2013 season. The additions of HC Marc Trestman, TE Martellus Bennett and LT Jermon Bushrod seem to set him up well for a strong season. Fantasy football owners who like to wqit for QB value should be uite intrigued by a potential "prove it" year for Cutler.

As expected, Bears QB Jay Cutler (neck, knee) is active for today's game against the Packers. But a banged-up QB behind a leaky offensive line against a Green Bay pass rush getting OLB Clay Matthews back is a recipe for disaster. Cutler should be on fantasy benches.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (neck, knee) is probable and will start against the Packers this weekend. The neck won't be an issue, but the sprained knee will be a problem as he flees from a Packers pass-rush getting OLB Clay Matthews back. Cutler isn't a recommended fantasy option this week.

Bears insider Brad Biggs has learned that QB Jay Cutler has a sprained MCL.  The injury occurred near the end of last Sunday's game against the Vikings.  It's not nearly as severe as the MCL injury that knocked him out of the 2010 NFC Championship Game though.  Cutler is expected to practice again on Friday and play against the Packers this weekend. Still, the injury is just enough reason to avoid him in fantasy this week.

Bears QB Jay Cutler put in a limited practice on Thursday.  He's actually listed on the injury report with a neck and knee, but HC Lovie Smith isn't concerned.  "Practiced today without any trouble at all," Smith said. "You know, after a hard-fought game like that on the turf you sometimes have some bumps that last a little bit longer. He should be fine."  Cutler isn't a recommended fantasy option against a Packers defense he usually struggles against, but his availability is great news for WR Brandon Marshall.

Bears QB Jay Cutler confirmed on Monday that the neck injury he suffered yesterday is not serious, and that he expects to play against the Packers this weekend.  "I should be ready to go later in the week," Cutler said on his weekly radio show.  It sounds like he might miss some practice time, but WR Brandon Marshall's homeboy will be out there for a huge divisional showdown.

Bears QB Jay Cutler left late in Sunday's game against the Vikings with a neck injury.  The team reportedly believes Cutler is suffering from whiplash and will be ok for Week 15.  But we should get another update at HC Lovie Smith's Monday press conference.  Chicago's offense struggled mightily with Jason Campbell under center earlier this season.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (concussion) is active and starting against the Vikings today.  While Cutler is a shaky fantasy play, his return is excellent news for WR Brandon Marshall and the rest of Chicago's offense.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (concussion) has been cleared to play on Sunday against the Vikings. It’s painfully obvious good news for Chicago given how anemic they looked with Jason Campbell under center. His matchup against Minnesota is favorable, though we’d temper QB1 expectations.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (concussion) is listed as questionable for this weekend's game against the Vikings.  HC Lovie Smith reiterated on Friday that Cutler is "looking good," but a final determination won't be made until Saturday.  It sounds like Cutler still has one more test to pass.  We'll provide an update when we get one.  Cutler is just a QB2 in fantasy, but his return would be excellent news for WR Brandon Marshall.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (concussion) has been cleared to practice.  He still needs to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can play in a game, but Cutler is trending in the right direction.  He's a good bet to play against the Vikings this weekend.  Cutler would only be a QB2 option in that one, but his return would be excellent news for WR Brandon Marshall.

Bears HC Lovie Smith says QB Jay Cutler (concussion) is "looking good" for Week 12.  Cutler is supposedly "feeling better" a week removed from his 3rd NFL concussion.  After last night's disaster with QB Jason Campbell under center, the Bears desperately need Cutler back.  They host the Vikings on Sunday.  We'll update Cutler's status throughout the week.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (concussion) has been ruled out for Monday night's game against the 49ers.  Considering he's sustained 3 concussions in the NFL -- and another 1-3 while at Vanderbilt -- Cutler shouldn't be considered a lock to return for Week 12.  In the meantime, QB Jason Campbell will take over as Chicago's starter.  He's a capable NFL signal-caller but isn't a fantasy option against a tough 'Niners defense.  Campbell should be able to keep WR Brandon Marshall rolling though.

ESPN's John Clayton calls Bears QB Jay Cutler (concussion) "doubtful" to play against the 49ers on Monday night.  It's not surprising.  Cutler has now sustained 3 concussions in the NFL, and at least 1 (and maybe as many as 3) during his college days at Vanderbilt.  That will make it awfully tough for him to get cleared in time for Monday night.  Look for QB Jason Campbell to draw the start.  He won't be a fantasy option, but he's good enough to keep WR Brandon Marshall in must-start territory.

In his Monday press conference, Bears HC Lovie Smith only said that QB Jay Cutler is "getting better" after sustaining a concussion on Sunday night.  Smith believes Cutler was concussed when he took a shot to the head with a little under 3 minutes to go in the first half.  Cutler stayed in the game but started experiencing symptoms in the locker room at halftime.  He was immediately ruled out for the rest of the game.  This is at least the 4th concussion of Cutler's football career -- and his 2nd in the past 3 years.  That makes Cutler extremely iffy to be cleared in time for next Monday night's game against the 49ers.

Bears HC Lovie Smith is "hopeful" QB Jay Cutler (concussion) will be cleared in time for next Monday night's game against the 49ers.  "But you can’t go that far," Smith added. "We just know he had symptoms, which started clearing up after the half. When a guy doesn’t finish the game, you’ve just got to go with that right now.”  The extra day will help Cutler's chances, but he should be considered no better than 50-50 to play Week 11.  QB Jason Campbell would start if Cutler can't.  Campbell isn't worth rostering in fantasy.

Bears QB Jay Cutler suffered a concussion near the end of the 1st half of Sunday night's game.  He finished out the half but has been ruled out for the 2nd.  QB Jason Campbell will be at the controls the rest of the way.