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The 2016 season is over for Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, time will tell if his Bears’ career is also over.
Head coach John Fox announced that Cutler will have surgery on his torn labrum on Saturday and the Bears will place him on season ending injured reserved. He’s the 16th Bear to go on IR this season.
A week ago Cutler was simply listed as doubtful for the Tennessee game after reports circulated that his season was in jeopardy after injuring his shoulder on November 20th. The Bears and Cutler explored every possible option for him to return this year, but ultimately the decision for surgery was made.
There are still 4 years left on Cutler’s contract, but only $2 million left in guarantees. Chicago could trade or release him this offseason if they so inclined.
Cutler’s 2016 season ends with him playing in 5 games, throwing for 1,059 yards, with 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. His completion percentage of 59.1% was his lowest since 2012 and his passer rating of 78.1 was his lowest since 2009. His sack percentage of 11% was the highest of his 10 year career.
With Cutler out the Bears will continue to turn to quarterback Matt Barkley, who showed promise last Sunday against the Titans.
#Bears coach John Fox on QB Jay Cutler: "He's been tremendous, just unfortunately, he's been hurt."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) December 1, 2016
Loggains on what stands out about Jay Cutler: "He tough he is. How much he cares. How much the team means to him."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 1, 2016
Dowell Loggains said Jay Cutler will remain in the QB room and around the team after his surgery. #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 1, 2016
#Bears OC Dowell Loggains on QB Jay Cutler: "It's been really fun the last couple of years getting to coach him."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) December 1, 2016
#Bears QB Jay Cutler’s labrum injury became a season ender after his rehab didn’t yield the wanted results over two weeks. He wanted to play
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) December 1, 2016
In other Chicago Bears injury news, defensive lineman Mitch Unrein and cornerback Tracy Porter were full participants in practice after being limited yesterday.