Jay Cutler concussion: Bears QB sits out Thursday practice

The 49ers welcome the Bears to town this Monday, and the buildup to the game includes plenty of discussion about concussions. We've discussed the Alex Smith discussion about as much as humanly possible, but we have not had as much about Jay Cutler's concussion.

Bears head coach Lovie Smith spoke with the media after practice and indicated that Cutler did not participate in the session. Shea McClellin also sat out, while wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was limited. Adam Schefter reported yesterday on ESPN that the team was not overly optimistic about Cutler's chances of playing on Monday against the 49ers.

Lovie did reportedly tell the media that Cutler could conceivably play on Monday even if he did not practice all week. At the same time, he said the team feels good if backup QB Jason Campbell has to step in and play. Not exactly a stunning proclamation, but still worth noting.

While Cutler is plenty dangerous when healthy, Jason Campbell is an oft-overlooked QB. I have always been a fan of his in part because he has sort of ridden the low road since being drafted in the first round the same year as Alex Smith. After Smith went No. 1 and Aaron Rodgers went No. 24, the Redskins drafted Campbell No. 25. Campbell has always sort of stuck on my radar, although it was pretty faint once he went to Chicago to back up Cutler.