Cutler's Sunday status in hands of Bears docs

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Jay Cutler will be evaluated Thursday as the Bears hold out hope their quarterback could start Sunday against the Lions.

“We’re hopeful,” coach Marc Trestman said, but we’ve got to be reserved about it as well.”

Had the Bears practiced Wednesday, Cutler would have been a limited participant, the coach said.

Trestman said Cutler, who suffered a torn left groin 17 days ago against the Redskins, would have to be cleared by team doctors to practice in full — and, in that case, two days of practice would be enough to catch him up to speed.

“At the end of the day, doctors will determine that,” he said. “Part of that determination will be by working him out and making sure he can move suddenly and redirect himself, stride, and run full out.”

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall said Wednesday, with a smile, that Cutler was “back.”