Cutler hoping to practice Thursday

Concussed Bears QB Jay Cutler said he still has more tests to pass before he is cleared to play Sunday against the Vikings, but he hopes to practice Thursday.

Concussed Bears quarterback Jay Cutler didn’t shed any light on his status for Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at his Wednesday morning news conference.

“I don’t know,” he said. “We’ll see. I feel good.”

Cutler said he had no symptoms but added: “We’re going through the process. (There are) still a few things to go through this week. We’ll see how it goes.”

The Bears did not practice Wednesday, but Cutler said he hopes to practice Thursday when the team returns to work. After that, he’ll be re-evaluated.

“(I’ve) got to see some more doctors,” he said. “You’ve got to go on the field and make sure you can exert yourself. Really, it’s a personal thing just making sure you feel OK.”

Cutler had some ideas on what the team could do to improve offensively and provide better protection for the quarterback, whether it’s him or backup Jason Campbell.

“Were going to have to do some stuff protection-wise,” Cutler said. “We have to establish the running game; I think you build from there. We’ve got to get an identity offensively of who we are and what plays we feel comfortable running. You can max protect. You’ve got to pick your spots. You’ve got to be smart with play calling.”

Cutler said the Bears won’t achieve their goals if the offensive line performs as it did while allowing the San Francisco 49ers to sack Campbell six times Monday night.

“We’re not going to be successful against anyone,” Cutler said.

When asked about it, Cutler also added that he would be against a mandatory one-week waiting period for every player who suffers a concussion.

“Every person is different,” Cutler said. “Every hit is different. That wouldn’t be fair to the players.”