Jay Cutler hasn't exactly shined in his first two games with the Chicago Bears this season, but he's still vital to their offensive attack. It's not like the alternative, Brian Hoyer, is any better.

So when Cutler left Monday night's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Bears fans shook their heads again. Jay has been knocked for his toughness in the past, but his throwing ability was obviously hampered by the injured thumb.

This morning, the ailment appeared quite serious:

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However, Bears head coach John Fox believes Cutler could play this week.

In his news conference this morning, Fox stated that Cutler has been diagnosed with a sprained thumb, and it won't require surgery. He's listed as day-to-day, and he hasn't officially been ruled out for Chicago's next game against the Dallas Cowboys.

If Cutler can be effective, he'll play. If the injury obviously takes away from his ability to toss the pigskin (like it did last night), Hoyer will have to fill in.

During limited action last night, Hoyer completed 9-of-12 passes for 78 yards, but the Eagles were mostly in their base defense with a big lead, and once he reached the red zone, Hoyer struggling hitting his targets with tighter windows.