Dec 2, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is pressured by Chicago Bears defensive end Shea McClellin (99) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Seahawks won 23-17 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears continued one of their traditions on Tuesday by naming Charles Tillman and Julius Peppers as co-winners of the veteran Brian Piccolo award, while Shea McClellin was named the rookie recipient.

The Brian Piccolo Award, named for the Chicago Bear who died of cancer tragically in 1970, is a cherished honor among Chicago Bears:

The Brian Piccolo Award was originally awarded the same year as Piccolo’s death (1970) to a Chicago Bears rookie who “best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo”.

Piccolo’s courageous battle with cancer was captured in the classic Billy Dee Williams movie Brian’s Song, with James Caan portraying Piccolo.

Tillman is a three-time winner while Peppers and obviously rookie McClellin are first time winners of the award.   Head Coach Marc Trestman, DB’s coach Jon Hoke, GM Phil Emery, team President Ted Phillips and Virginia McCaskey were among the Bears brass on hand for the award presentation.

NFL Charities donate $50,000 to the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund each year.

Nov 11, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) scrambles during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

It’s not looking good for Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler to play Monday night at San Francicso after another day passed without practicing.  On a normal week, it would be especially concerning if the quarterback had bot practiced by Thursday, but since the Bears don’t play until Monday, this was the first practice of the week in preparation for their Week 11 matchup. (more…)

Jay Cutler is down for the Bears in their 13-6 loss to the Texans (Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune)

On a rain-soaked night at Soldier Field, the Bears and Texans spent the better part of the first half turning the ball over, with the Bears leading the turnover parade with four giveaways to the Texans’ two.   The Bears couldn’t settle down and by the time they did, it was too late.

But the story of the night was Jay Cutler suffering a concussion late in the first half and sitting out the second half.  Cutler took a big hit from Tim Dobbins as he tried to throw a pass right at the line of scrimmage and was flagged for an illegal forward pass, which was offset by the unnecessary roughness penalty on Dobbins.  Cutler returned for 7 more plays but did not come out of the locker room after the intermission.  It’s been reported that this is his 6th concussion (3rd as a pro) and the first since he was bludgeoned against the Giants in 2010. (more…)