Bears rule out Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffery for Seahawks game

The Bears’ worst-kept secret became official on Friday. Coach John Fox finally ruled out quarterback Jay Cutler for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks

Cutler’s strained hamstring, though, won’t keep him from taking the long flight to Seattle. He continues to be active during his recovery, which included throwing passes at practice on Friday.

“I actually would’ve preferred to put him as doubtful,” Fox said. “He threw the ball a little bit today. He doesn’t have a torn [anterior cruciate ligament]; he has a hamstring injury. It’s kind of one day at a time to see how it improves.

“Mentally, he’s been great. He’s been a stud. He’s been like he’s been all year as far as his preparation. Everybody’s all in to help Jimmy [Clausen] be the best he can be.”

As for Clausen, Fox said he had a great week with the starters.

“I thought the whole football team was very focused this week, as well they should be going to play a team and in a venue like Seattle,” Fox said. “[It was] just watching [Clausen] play, watching him practice, watching him prepare, just like anybody else we trot out there.”

Jeffery also out

It also wasn’t surprising that receiver Alshon Jeffery was ruled out. He hasn’t practiced all week because of his hamstring injury.

Jeffery is no longer listed with the calf injury that kept him out of the preseason, but Fox mentioned it as a current ailment on Friday, when he added that the star receiver also is dealing with an illness right now, too.

“Anytime a player gets hurt, there’s an element of frustration, a little discouragement,” Fox said. “But that’s part of this game. You’re going to get knocked down. What do you do? You get back up and bounce back. I don’t expect anything different from him.”

The injury report

Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee was listed as questionable with a knee injury, but he said he’s good and should play.

“I’m awesome, man,” he said. “Thank God.”

Receiver Eddie Royal (back, hip), defensive end Ego Ferguson (knee) and cornerback Tracy Porter (knee) also were listed as questionable.

Linebacker Jon Bostic (ankle) is doubtful. He is yet to play this season.

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