The Bears have placed QB Jay Cutler (thumb) on IR. The move is a mere formality — Cutler was never going to play in a meaningless Week 17 game. His rehab has reportedly gone smoothly, and was scheduled to have the pins from his surgically-repaired thumb removed today.
RB Matt Forte (knee) has also been placed on IR by the Bears, ending his 2011 season. It doesn’t sound like he would have been able to play this weekend even if the game meant something. Forte was the backbone of Chicago’s offense again this year, averaging 4.9 yards per on his 203 carries, while catching 52 balls for 490 yards. He never did get a new contract, though, and will likely be slapped with the franchise tag this offseason.
Both Cutler and Forte will be at 100% for OTAs.
