Bears quarterback Jay Cutler won’t play Sunday against the Lions, the team announced, while wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who was dealing with hamstring and knee issues, will play.
Cutler, who left Game 2 with a sprained right thumb, was listed as doubtful after only participating in a limited practice Wednesday. He sat Thursday and Friday, and coach John Fox sounded as if the Bears were more concerned with him healing than practicing.
Brian Hoyer will start in his place for the second-straight week.
Cutler was one of seven Bears players ruled inactive. Starting running back Jeremy Langford and starting nose tackle Eddie Goldman, whose ankle injuries will keep them out until at least later this month, were also ruled out. So was inside linebacker Danny Trevathan, who had surgery 10 days ago to reattach a thumb ligament.
Other inactive Bears include: running back Ka’Deem Carey (hamstring), safety Deon Bush and center Eric Kush.
Two of the Lions’ best defensive players, defensive end Ziggy Ansah and linebacker DeAndre Levy, were ruled out Friday. Lions tight end Eric Ebron, who was questionable with an ankle injury, will play.
