Webb in for Favre? Cutler can't believe it

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Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010
Posted 9:22 PM

By John Mullin
CSNChicago.com

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre didnt practice Thursday, the first day of real on-field work before Mondays game against the Bears. Hes still having numbness in his hand and shoulder from a tackle that ended his string of consecutive starts at 297. Hes not expected to play against the Bears.

And at least one of the Bears doesnt believe it, or that the Vikings would start rookie Joe Webb even with their season effectively over.

They have a rookie starting? quarterback Jay Cutler said with a touch of incredulity. Possibly, was the response.

Possibly, Cutler said, then chuckled. I wouldnt be surprised if Brett was out there.

If he isnt, or if the Vikings do go with journeyman veteran Patrick Ramsey, the situation will be exponentially more difficult for the Vikings.

With erratic veteran Tarvaris Jackson headed for injured reserve this season and somewhere else next, Webb is an option for the Vikings.

Youve seen it, a few rookies, a few first-time starters going against this defense and its tough, said Cutler, who knows some things about the difficulties posed by the Bears defense. Theyre flying around in that Cover-2 and they play it well and its tough.

Ramsey, who is on his ninth NFL team since being a No. 1 pick of the Washington Redskins in 2002, would help.

Great guy, great teammate, said Cutler, who played with Ramsey in Denver. I really enjoyed my time with Patrick. Smart guy. Hes not going to hurt them. Hes going to take what our defense gives him, going against a Cover-2 team like we are. Hes done it before so he knows what hes up against. Hes a guy who could learn a system in a week and be ready to play. If he has to start, hell do the job, hell do well.

Sick bay

The Bears got some good news Thursday when strong-side linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, who has missed three of the last four games with knee surgery, was able to practice on a limited basis and is likely to be available Monday for Minnesota, wherever that game ends up being. Running back Chester Taylor also was limited with knee soreness.

Cornerback Charles Tillman did not practice due to foot soreness.

For their part the Vikings were in considerably worse shape. Besides Favre, guard Steve Hutchinson (thumb), running back Adrian Peterson (ankleknee), safety Tyrell Johnson (knee) and safety Jamarca Sanford (concussion) were unable to practice. Defensive end Ray Edwards (ankle) was limited in practice.

John "Moon" Mullin is CSNChicago.com's Bears Insider, and appears regularly on Bears Postgame Live and Chicago Tribune Live. Follow Moon on Twitter for up-to-the-minute Bears information.

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