Jay Cutler Injury: Updates on Bears QB's Neck

Jay Cutler left the Chicago Bears' NFC North showdown with the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter.

UPDATE: Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 2:45 p.m. ET by Patrick Clarke

Jay Cutler feels good and expects to play in Sunday's matchup against the Green Bay Packers according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Sean Jensen on Wednesday.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Monday, Dec. 10 at 1:45 p.m. ET by Tim Daniels

Michael Wright of ESPN Chicago reports Cutler believes he will be ready for action later in the week. That would seemingly put him on track to play in the team's key Week 15 game against the divisional rival Green Bay Packers.

"

Jay Cutler said he "should be ready to go later in the week." #JayCutlerShow

— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) December 10, 2012"

It's a pretty vague assessment from Cutler, but the fact he doesn't sound overly concerned about the injury is a positive sign. More will be known once practices start heating up for the week.

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UPDATE: Sunday, Dec. 9 at 5:10 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

The Bears have clarified questions about Jay Cutler's health and are stating that the quarterback sustained a neck injury.

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported the following via Twitter:

"

Bears are calling it a neck injury for Jay Cutler, who has a history of concussions. his removal seemed at least in part precautionary

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 9, 2012"

"

Jay Cutler's neck will be further evaluated on Monday. Team believes he may be suffering from whiplash and appears as if he will be okay

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 9, 2012"

This is good news for the Bears as it appears Cutler will not have to miss time. 

---End of Update---

CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora noted the quarterback’s exit via Twitter and that Jason Campbell once again replaced him:

"

Jay Cutler is out - took a lot of abuse today. Jason Campbell in as Bears QB

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 9, 2012"

Few specifics were known about the nature of the injury immediately after the game.

Cutler completed 22-of-44 passes for 260 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The Bears ended up losing the game 21-14 and now only have a one-game lead over the Vikings for second place in the division.

The Bears are certainly hoping their franchise QB has not suffered another concussion, as this would be the second such injury in just five weeks. Cutler was concussed in a 13-6 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 10, and Campbell filled in for him in the following matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

Heading into the game with Houston, the Bears were 7-1 and considered one of the NFL’s top teams. The offense was productive, and the defense was playing incredibly well.

However, since Cutler went down against the Texans, the team has lost four of five games and now is in danger of missing the postseason if it cannot improve its level of play.

To do that, it will likely need Cutler, and a second concussion would almost certainly rule out his ability to return next week for a crucial game against the Green Bay Packers. It could also cause him to miss significantly more time.

The Bears' hopes of a deep playoff run, or even reaching the postseason at all, are heavily dependent on Cutler’s health.

Check back here for updates on Jay Cutler's condition going forward.