Jimmy Clausen Injury: Updates on Bears QB's Concussion and Return

Tim DanielsDec 22, 2014

Chicago Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion in the team's Week 16 loss to the Detroit Lions, ending his season one week early. He has been ruled out for Week 17.

Continue for updates.

Clausen Out vs. Vikings

Clausen's Head Injury Ruled Concussion

Monday, Dec. 22

The Bears confirmed the news via their Twitter account Monday:

Chicago also revealed when the quarterback suffered the injury and the timeline for the diagnosis:

Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune continued with more from Chicago head coach Marc Trestman:

Clausen finished the day 23-of-39 with 181 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception as the Bears fell to Detroit, 20-14.

The Bears announced that Jay Cutler will start Week 17:

The Carolina Panthers drafted Clausen in the second round of the 2010 draft, using the 48th overall pick on him. He struggled in 13 games as a rookie, compiling a 1-9 record in the 10 games he started, which led the team to draft Cam Newton first overall the next year.

The Bears signed Clausen as their backup in June, having lost Josh McCown in free agency a few months prior. Trestman installed McCown as his starter in Week 16 over Jay Cutler, citing the need for "a spark" at quarterback during a news conference.

At 27, the Notre Dame product is unlikely to get another extended run as a starter in the future. However, starting for the Bears gave him a chance to boost his value as a chief backup, especially with him slated to become a free agent after the season.

Clausen will miss the team's final game against the Minnesota Vikings due to the concussion. Along with Cutler, the Bears also have David Fales on the roster, who was recently promoted from the practice squad. The latter was a sixth-round pick out of San Jose State back in May.