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Chicago Bears' head coach Marc Trestman held a news conference today where he popped the "hope bubble" for Bears' fans on the return of Jay Cutler and Lance Briggs. Cutler actually was at practice today for the early part of practice and that raised hopes he would play, but Trestman let it be known in no uncertain terms that he won't.
LM: #Bears HC Marc Trestman says Jay Cutler will not play Monday night; Josh McCown will start vs. Cowboys.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 5, 2013
The Bears could also use Lance Briggs back on their defense, since his departure the run defense has collapsed. He was originally on a 4-6 week timetable for a return, but that was seven weeks ago and he's still not ready.
LM: Trestman: "I would say there's no chance" that #Bears LB Lance Briggs plays Monday night vs. Cowboys.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 5, 2013
The loss of Cutler is significant, but the loss of Briggs is probably even more severe at the moment. Josh McCown has done a reasonable job of filling in at QB, but the defense is a shell of itself without Briggs.
In other Cowboys opponents injury news, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers participated in practice today on a limited basis. Most observers still feel like he won't play this week against the Falcons, but could possibly return next week, just in time for the Cowboys game.