Watch CBS News

Cutler Tears Groin, Will Miss At Least 4 Weeks

(CBS) The Bears confirmed quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a muscle tear in his groin in the team's loss to the Redskins on Sunday.

He will miss at least four weeks.

The news means the Bears will be quarterbacked by back up Josh McCown for arguably their toughest stretch of the season as they face the Packers, Lions and Ravens following their bye week.

Related: Lance Briggs To Miss 'Around 6 Weeks'

"It's an uphill battle," McCown said. "You lose a leader like Jay ... it's a blow to your team. As is with every team in the NFL, it's next man up. It's how we do it. You've just got to get ready to go, get ready to play. There are going to be people stepping up on the defensive side of the ball. I'll have to step up on the offensive side of the ball and we'll have to find a way to get it done."

Cutler suffered the injury in the second quarter of Sunday's loss after being sacked by defensive lineman Chris Baker.

McCown replaced the injured Cutler and played well, throwing for 204 yards and a touchdown while completing 14 of 20 passes.

The 34-year-old McCown was signed midway through the 2011 season when Cutler went down with a thumb injury.

"Two years ago I got here and I had been coaching high school ball, which served me well to do that, but I don't think you can trade anything for real reps, going through OTAs and training camp," McCown said. "With that said I'm in a better spot right now. To have come in here with this system, being here from Day 1 with Marc, learning this from the ground up, I think it's been beneficial. Hopefully it continues to pay dividends on the field. We've just got to look at where we are as an offense and see what we can do to continue to improve."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.