Exactly how it plays out for him as far as facing the Minnesota Vikings may not be clear for another day or two, but Jay Cutler spent some time as the Bears No. 1 quarterback on Thursday.
Cutler was cleared only for limited participation in practice. His status as evaluated after Thursdays practice will be key. And defensive end Shea McClellin was listed as full participation in practice, although both of them were able to do some things on a limited basis, according to coach Lovie Smith. So its looking better for them, to get them on the football field.
If there is a worrisome parallel for Cutler it is back out in San Francisco where 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, who suffered a concussion on the same Sunday as Cutlers against the Houston Texans. Smith was cleared for limited practice last week ended up inactive after his concussion symptoms persisted into the weekend and was still not fully OK as of this Wednesday. Colin Kaepernick remained with the No. 1 offense.
Meanwhile, Jason Campbell also was limited with sore ribs from hits in the 49ers game. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall (shoulder) was limited, as were defensive tackles Stephen Paea (shoulder) and Matt Toeaina (calf). Tight end Kellen Davis (ankle) did not practice on Thursday.
The Vikings practiced without wide receiver Percy Harvin (ankle) and guard Charlie Johnson (toe). On the limited list were defensive tackle Letroy Guion (foot), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (foot) and cornerback Antoine Winfield (unspecified).
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