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Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith confirmed Monday that quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a fractured thumb on his throwing hand during Sunday's 31-20 victory over the San Diego Chargers.
Cutler injured the right thumb while trying to make a tackle on Antoine Cason, who intercepted a pass with just less than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Cutler continued to play after the injury, completing his final two passes for 24 yards in the team's final drive.
"Jay does have a right thumb fracture," Smith said on WBBM radio in Chicago. "He hurt it on the tackle, on the interception.
"Of course we took X-rays last night and he'll be seeing specialists this morning and we'll be able to tell you a little bit more after that."
Smith, who is scheduled to address the media at 1 p.m. ET, wouldn't speculate on how long Cutler will be out. But sources familiar with the situation told ESPNChicago.com that the injury will require surgery and likely will keep him out for the final six games of the regular season.
"I'm not going to play doctor right now," Smith said when asked how long Cutler will be sidelined. "We're going through the process. We will be able to tell you a little bit more. That's all we can tell you right now. That's all we know right now."
With Cutler out, the attention turns to backup Caleb Hanie, who will take over as the starter. A four-year veteran, Hanie played in two games in 2010, completing 8 of 14 passes for 66 yards and an interception.
Hanie also filled in for Cutler in the NFC title game, and hit 13-of-20 for 153 yards a touchdown and two interceptions in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.
"[I expect] the same play from our quarterback position," Smith said. "Caleb has played a lot for us around here. We feel comfortable with him being our quarterback. It's always next guy up. We've had injuries at other positions, and that's what it will be.
"We're a good football team, and we still plan on winning"
The Bears have won five games in a row to improve to 7-3. It's possible Cutler could rejoin the team in time for the playoffs.
Smith said the Bears' strategy won't change.
"Running game, play from our quarterback position, outstanding defensive play, special teams," he said. "We've been in this situation before. So again, it's unfortunate, we don't know exactly how long Jay will be out, but while he's out the ship will keep moving."
Rookie Nathan Enderle is the Bears' only other healthy quarterback, so there's a good chance the Bears plan on making an acquisition. It's expected the Bears would consider quarterbacks with experience playing in the system of offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
Former Jaguars quarterback David Garrard -- with no experience in Martz's system -- seemed like a logical option, but he's just starting rehabilitation from back surgery and won't be able to undergo any contact for at least three weeks, according to a source.
Source: AP