By Rich Campbell, Tribune reporter
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has been medically cleared to play and will start Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, coach Marc Trestman said Thursday.
Cutler will start ahead of backup Josh McCown, who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Monday night’s 45-28 win over the Cowboys.
Asked if Cutler would face any limitations, Trestman said, “I wouldn’t be prepared with any of those hypotheticals. I expect Jay to play well, play efficiently.”
Cutler, who participated fully in practice Thursday and took all the first-team reps, has missed the last four games because of a high left ankle sprain he suffered Nov. 10.
As for the risk of sitting a hot quarterback in McCown, Trestman said, “This decision was made a long time ago. I don’t look at it like that.”
The Bears on Wednesday put Cutler through a workout that tested his ankle. Trestman said the session would require Cutler to climb the pocket and move suddenly.
The Bears decided Thursday morning to clear Cutler to play after they gauged how his ankle responded to the workout.
Linebacker Lance Briggs, recovering from a broken shoulder, also participated in practice on a limited basis.
