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Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler Out Indefinitely With Thumb Sprain

By Chris Emma--

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is out indefinitely with a sprain to his right thumb, coach John Fox said on Tuesday.

Cutler injured his throwing thumb when he was sacked during the third quarter of Monday's 29-14 loss to the Eagles. He came to the postgame press conference donning a cast to support the thumb. Backup Brian Hoyer assumed Cutler's role.

Fox couldn't confirm a timetable for Cutler, though he indicated that the quarterback may not need surgery -- just rehabilitation. The same can't be said for Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan, who will have surgery for his thumb sprain. Trevathan's injury is not season-ending.

Speaking following Monday's loss, Cutler stated that he had aggravated the injury on the strip-sack, which worsened the thumb. However, Fox stated that Cutler wasn't limited in Week 2 preparations, which would suggest that the injury didn't occur in the season-opening loss to the Texans.

The Bears haven't yet ruled Cutler out for Sunday's primetime contest with the Cowboys in Dallas.

One year ago Tuesday, Cutler left the Bears' loss to the Cardinals in Week 2 with a hamstring injury. Cutler has also injured this thumb before, a fracture that required surgery in November 2011.

Fox also confirmed that linebacker Lamarr Houston's knee injury was "substantial," though the MRI results weren't clear yet. Defensive lineman Eddie Goldman suffered an ankle sprain.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.

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