Jay Cutler may have thrown his last pass in a Bears uniform. Multiple outlets are reporting that the Chicago Bears quarterback suffered what is believed to be a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, throwing him out of commission.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the team worked to determine the extent of the injury on Monday. If the initial finding is true, it likely spells the end of the 33-year-old Cutler’s season and probably his career in Chicago.
Cutler made a comeback earlier this season from a thumb injury after missing five games and helped lift the Bears to victory over the then- 5-2 Minnesota Vikings. A bye followed, then a disastrous showing by Cutler and the rest of the Bears in a turnover-filled loss at Tampa Bay, and then a trip to New York on Sunday where Chicago gave the streaking Giants a scare in a gutsy performance, but in which the Giants sacked Cutler four times.
Next up for Chicago is a home date with the Tennessee Titans. If Cutler is indeed out, backup Matt Barkley will make his first start as a Bear.
Cutler’s current contract runs through 2020, but Chicago can release him with only a $2 million cap hit, or just $1 million if they do so after June 1, 2017. The passer has delivered a mixed bag during his eight-year tenure in Chicago — a lot of incredible throws but too many unforced errors and interceptions.
It’s more likely than not the Bears will turn the page and start over at QB. There’s another veteran quarterback in Dallas who may be looking for a new home, too.
