Jay Cutler Cleared to Practice, Expected to Play Sunday

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler missed Sunday's game against the Panthers with a concussion, and backup Todd Collins proceeded to put up one of the worst performances you'll ever see from an NFL quarterback.

But there's good news for Bears fans Tuesday.

Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that Cutler has been cleared to practice this week. Cutler will be a full participant on Wednesday, and barring any unforeseen setbacks over the next four days, he'll start for the Bears on Sunday against the Seahawks at Soldier Field.

The NFL's recent emphasis on protecting players from concussions ensures (or at least should ensure, if the system is working properly) that Cutler was actually cleared because he is completely free of concussion-related symptoms, and isn't just being pushed back onto the field by a team doctor who wants to see the Bears win on Sunday.

Now NFL players who suffer concussions have to be cleared by an independent doctor in addition to the team doctor. And Cutler has cleared that hurdle.

So Cutler will be back on the field, and Collins will be back where he belongs: on the bench.