NFL Rumors: Jay Cutler’s Injury Forcing Chicago Bears to Sign Free Agent T.J. Yates

By Carlo Monzon
Jay Cutler
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field.  Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears are currently going through a serious quarterback issue after it was confirmed that Jay Cutler has a serious thumb injury. With Bryan Hoyer only as his backup, the Bears could look to signing free agent T.J. Yates.

According to reports, Cutler already injured his thumb on Week 1 during Chicago's game against the Houston Texans. He was still able to play through the game and even join the team at practice for Week 2.

However, during Monday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Cutler was forced to leave during the third quarter because for the same injury. It is not yet clear how long he will be out but based on the type of injury that he sustained, he could be absent for up to four weeks.

"I'm concerned," Cutler said following Monday's game. "As a quarterback, you kind of need your right thumb. So I think it was [2011] when I had surgery on this thumb. So we'll see what it is."

With Cutler out indefinitely, the Bears will most likely turn to their backup QB Hoyer. Hoyer is already a veteran and is probably more than enough to hold down Chicago's fort until Cutler returns. However, without a third-string quarterback and with the team already looking at a 0-2 record, the Bears should probably start looking for another QB to add to the roster.

One of the candidates that they should consider is Yates, who is currently a free agent. Recently, Yates worked out with the New England Patriots, a team that is also in serious need for a quarterback due to Jimmy Garoppolo's injury.

But since the Patriots did not sign Yates, that means he's still available for the Bears. Like Hoyer, Yates is a veteran in the NFL and has been playing in the league since 2011 when he first debuted with the Texans.

During his five-year career in the league, he has played in 18 games. Whether as a backup or a temporary starter, Yates will be a good addition to Chicago due to his experience on the field. Plus, putting him on the roster will be like an insurance policy for the Bears since he will give them some form of depth at the QB bench.

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