Sept. 30--Bears quarterback Jay Cutler returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant, still working through the hamstring strain he suffered during the first half of a 48-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 20. What that means for Cutler's potential to start Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, however, remains fuzzy.
Bears coach John Fox said he felt encouraged by Cutler's work Wednesday.
"I thought he had a good practice," Fox said. "He was limited. Obviously we're trying to treat him and get him better as we move forward. But I thought we had a good day today."
Cutler still seems like a bit of a long shot to return to his starting role this week. If he is unable to go, Jimmy Clausen would likely get his second consecutive start.
Cutler suffered his injury attempting to tackle Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson during a 26-yard interception return for a touchdown. He did not practice at all last week and watched Sunday as Clausen completed nine of his 17 pass attempts for 63 yards in a 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. That marked the first time in nearly 13 years that the Bears had been shut out.
During his seven seasons in Chicago, Cutler has missed 14 games due to injury and another after being benched. The Bears are 5-10 in those games.
The Bears haven't experienced an 0-3 start or a winless September since 2003.
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery also was limited in practice Wednesday.
