Cutler still working his way back from ankle sprain.
Former Chicago Bears star Brian Urlacher has backed the inclusion of Josh McCown in the starting line-up in place of injured quarterback Jay Cutler.
Urlacher has insisted that the Bears should keep faith in their back-up quarterback even if Cutler receives medical clearance to return from his high ankle sprain which has kept him out of the last four games.
Speaking on “Fox Football Daily”, the former Bears star revealed that he believes McCown has earned the right to continue for the Bears who are 7-6 for the season and tied at the top of the NFC North with rivals the Detroit Lions.
Chicago travel to Cleveland to face the Browns (4-9) on Sunday, but there is split opinion on who should be the starting quarterback although it is unclear as to when Cutler will be available for selection again.
“It’s going to be awfully hard to take Josh out of there right now the way he’s playing,” Urlacher said, according to ESPN.
“In my opinion, [McCown] should be the guy. He should be the starting quarterback of the Bears, even if Jay Cutler is healthy. You can’t take a guy who’s this hot out of the football game. If I was on that team, I would have a hard time with them taking him out.”
McCown was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, after completing 27-of-36 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday.
He has thrown for 13 touchdowns and just one interception in seven games so far this season while also becoming the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for 300 yards or more in three consecutive games.
Nevertheless, coach Marc Trestman has insisted that Cutler remains the franchise’s top choice quarterback, and he will play again this season depending on when he has fully recovered from his ankle injury.
Meanwhile, McCown thanked Cutler for his help and advice during his stint in the line-up, and insisted that he is ready to reciprocate that support if Trestman decides on a switch at some stage over the course of the next three games.
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