Marc Trestman has said that he had always planned to reinstate Jay Cutler as the team's starting quarterback once he had overcome injury.

Backup Josh McCown took Cutler's place while he dealt with groin and ankle injuries, completing 1,809 passing yards and 13 touchdowns with just one interception, leading to some fans calling for him to continue in the role.

The head coach told reporters: "I made a decision after he got hurt that he was going to play as soon as he was ready to play.

"I don't think I was adamant about it. I was just doing what I said we were going to do."

The 30-year-old returned from a five-game absence to lead the NFC North side to a 38-31 win over the Cleveland Browns.