Thumbs Down: Bears Confirm Cutler Surgery, Miss Significant Time

The Chicago Bears have confirmed that Jay Cutler has a fractured thumb on his right (throwing) hand that will require surgery to repair.

"“Jay does have a right thumb fracture,” Smith said on WBBM. “We took X-rays last night and he’ll be seeing a specialist this morning and we’ll be able to tell you a little bit more after that.”The Bears coach declined to provide a timetable for Cutler’s return.“I’m not going to play doctor right now,” Smith said. “We’re going through the process. We will be able to tell you a little bit more [later]. That’s all we can tell you right now. That’s all we know right now.”"

In his noon presser, Lovie elaborated that the Bears expect Jay back this season.

"“The plan is for us to get him back later in the year.”"

And in classic Lovie Smith rhetorical question style:

"“Was it a season ending injury? No.”"

No confirmation on when Cutler’s surgery is expected except “soon.”

Let the healing begin!