Bears injuries: QB Jay Cutler 'getting better'

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith updated the status of concussed quarterback Jay Cutler on Wednesday, and though Smith didn't reveal too much, he did note that Cutler is "getting better."

Still, Smith isn't getting ahead of himself, saying that Cutler needs to be completely healthy before he returns to the football field.

"We will do everything possible to get him back up to par," Smith said of Cutler. "He's not gonna start practicing until he's completely healed and ready to go. That will all take care of itself."

Cutler will have to pass a series of tests before being medically cleared to practice, let alone play in a game.

Cutler suffered a concussion during the first half of Chicago's Week 10 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football, and did not play any of the second half. Cutler was one of three concussed quarterbacks last week, as Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Michael Vick and San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Alex Smith both suffered concussions as well.

To date, Cutler has completed 151-of-255 passes (59.2%) for 1,814 yards, while throwing 12 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.

Jason Campbell, who came in for the injured Cutler on Sunday, will start if Cutler is unable to play on Monday night, when the Bears take on the 49ers.

Though the Bears may be without Cutler on Monday night, Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey is expected to play for the first time since fracturing his right hand during Chicago's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 7.