Matt Barkley Promoted to Bears' Active Roster: Latest Comments, Reaction

With the Chicago Bears needing insurance at quarterback, Matt Barkley has been promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

The Bears announced Barkley's promotion after placing linebacker Lamarr Houston (knee) on the injured reserve list Thursday, per Larry Mayer of the team's official website.

Starting quarterback Jay Cutler left the team's 29-14 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night after suffering a sprained thumb.

On Wednesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the injury will sideline Cutler for two to three weeks.

ESPN.com's Jeff Dickerson, who reported the team has officially listed Cutler as day-to-day, noted backup Brian Hoyer took the first-team reps at practice Thursday.

If Cutler misses Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, Hoyer will be in line to make his first start of the season. Barkley will likely serve as the backup, which has been his primary role since he was drafted in 2013.

The former Eagles signal-caller hasn't taken a snap since 2014, and he's appeared in only four games in his career. Barkley, who has yet to throw a touchdown pass, is 30-of-50 for 300 passing yards with four interceptions in his career.

Last year, the Eagles traded Barkley to the Arizona Cardinals, who released him during final cuts earlier in September.

The Bears are off to an 0-2 start in 2016. Cutler has been inconsistent, with one touchdown and two interceptions.

While Hoyer will likely get most of the first-team practice reps, his history shows Barkley could see the field if the Bears continue their downward spiral.