The Chicago Bears have revealed that Jay Cutler is likely to start against the Detroit Lions this weekend after being cleared to return to the playing field.
The NFC North side's starting quarterback sustained a groin injury last month, and was expected to miss four weeks with the injury, but is now in line for an early return.
Head coach Marc Trestman told reporters: "Since the day he got hurt, he has spent 24/7 [rehabbing the injury]. He was here the entire bye week. He's done everything he can on and off the field to get ready.
"The last couple of days he's gone through an extensive protocol to make sure that he was, by doctor's evaluation, cleared to play the game on Sunday. He practised the entire practice. He took every rep and had a good practice, and I'll leave it at that. I expect him to start on Sunday.
"Jay is unique. He really understands his body. He really understands how to take care of himself. He's a unique athlete, and I'm sure some of that came into effect. But an incredible amount of hard work went into it, that he put in just to get a chance to get to this point. We're excited about it. It says a lot about his commitment to the team."
Cutler has 1,658 passing yards and 12 touchdown passes so far this season.
