Jay Cutler Named Bears' Starting QB for Week 17 After Jimmy Clausen Concussion

The Chicago Bears announced they will hand the starting quarterback job back to Jay Cutler for their Week 17 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Jimmy Clausen, who started in Week 16, suffered a concussion during that contest and will not play in the finale.   

Head coach Mark Trestman announced the decision about Cutler, via the Bears' official Twitter account:

The Bears' account passed along the latest on Clausen:  

Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune offered additional comments from Trestman and Cutler, as well as Trestman's thoughts on whether the move to Cutler only had to do with Clausen's injury:

Cutler started the year for the Bears with the hope of making the playoffs. However, he lost the starting job to Clausen after throwing 28 touchdowns and 18 interceptions during the first 14 games. Prior to the 2014 season, Cutler signed a seven-year deal, averaging more than $17.6 million per year.

Following the benching prior to Week 16, Cutler spoke about the decision, via the team's account:

Kicker Robbie Gould was also critical of the initial decision, per Campbell of the Chicago Tribune:

"

To be honest with you, I feel really bad for Jay. When you’re having a tough season like this, he’s not the guy to be the scapegoat or the guy to blame. ...

I honestly don’t even know what the message is, Pat, to be honest with you. I just think it’s been a long season. I think he thought maybe he thought this was going to provide a spark to the team. That’s what he told us. I wish Jay was out there playing.

"

Getting a second chance against the Vikings gives Cutler an opportunity to end the season on a high note. During the first meeting with Minnesota, Cutler threw for 330 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the 21-13 win.

His benching stirred a lot of discussion regarding his future in Chicago, however. It's been a disappointing season for Cutler and the Bears, so it's safe to assume he's eager to show well in the season-finale.

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