Jay Cutler shows he'll be healthy vs. Panthers

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said he will be ready to start practicing on Thursday in preparation for the team's game versus the Carolina Panther this Sunday, according Michael C. Wright of ESPN Chicago.

Cutler missed the final possession of the second quarter on Monday after he was violently taken down by Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Cutler returned to lead Chicago to a field goal on the opening possession of the third quarter to extend his team's lead to 13-0. Cutler finished the game 16-of-31 passing for 150 yards and one touchdown.

Cutler said Suh's "knee and the ball got caught on my ribs, and that’s what I slammed down on."

The Bears quarterback has passed for 1,359 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 56.7 percent of passes this season. Cutler has led the Bears to a 5-1 start to the season which has them in first place in the NFC North.

The Bears have won four games in row and will host the 1-5 Carolina Panthers this Sunday.