How long Jay Cutler is down with his concussion will be the subject of speculation, in large part because the recovery time for a concussion is different for every individual and concussions are of differing severities.
But when he does come back, even though he will have been medically cleared and have practiced, how effective he is, certainly in a first game back, is problematic.
Cutler was forced to miss the game following his concussion in the 2010 game with the New York Giants. He came back against the Seattle Seahawks, an eventual 7-9 finisher, and struggled with a 43.8 completion percentage, six sacks taken and a 69.4 passer rating in a home loss.
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That was followed by a four-interception performance and 54.3 rating in a loss to the Washington Redskins, an eventual 6-10 team.
Matters straightened out dramatically after the off week when he led the Bears on a five-game win streak throwing 10 TD passes vs. three interceptions.
His head had clearly cleared. Not that he was back on the field prematurely or in an unsound state, but even with all tests and protocols passed and being asymptomatic, Cutler coming back (whenever that is) does not guarantee top-tier play.
And if that return is anytime within the next five games, it will be against a team with a winning record, all in the NFC.